Steve and Barb lived the military life until 1991, when civilian life and children changed the scenery.  In 1993, while living in Colorado Springs, Steve worked as a commodity trader.  In 1994 he became the city administrator in Lanesboro, Minnesota.  He became the Victoria city administrator in July, 2000.
How did Steve evolve into a city administrator?  "It was sort of like my last full time job in the army," he replied.  "You have to juggle a lot of balls.  There are a lot of different projects going all at once."
What were his first impressions of Victoria?  "Well, I know they had trouble filling the position at first, so I thought it was just a sales pitch, that Victoria was so great and they were looking to start a new team here."
But Steve came to see that it wasn't just a sales pitch.  It was a serious pitch.  "As they toured Victoria with me, I came to see that Victoria has got a wonderful past, but it's going to have a very bright future," he said.  "We're working prudently and taking our time.  I'm personally a little frustrated with the pace of our downtown development, however."
In regard to downtown Victoria, he said, "The city has purchased a lot of parcels, and I think we need a master builder now, someone to come in and do the whole package.  It's available to them.  The downtown needs a real draw.  It needs a density of population and businesses.  Maybe we have to do it ourselves."
Steve also recognizes Victoria's position in the metropolitan area.  "The city's proximity to Interstate 494 and the International Airport is advantageous," he said.  "Also, we have a distinct downtown area that can be developed as well as land outside Victoria that we can grow into.  In addition, we have educational opportunities, both public and private, for the residents."
In any case, Steve sees his role as managing the day to day operations of Victoria.  "One of my biggest concerns is having an engaged citizenry," he said.  "The new subdivisions coming into town will dilute some of the engagement that we do have.  The future will be different from the past."
In commenting on most recent news, the possibility of locating Mary Jo Copeland's orphanage in Victoria, Steve said, "We're simply in favor of helping children.  People are so afraid of change."
The City of Victoria is not the only government job of this political science major.  He's also the mayor of Watertown, which is where he and his family reside.  It's about a thirty-minute drive between the two cities.
Also, at the behest of Governor Jesse Ventura, Steve serves on the State Board of Firefighter Training and Education.  While administrator of the City of Lanesboro, he worked for the fire department and ambulance service.

Steve Sarvi is a city father in Victoria ... and Watertown ... but it is within his family home that he is a personal father to Daniel, Mary Kate, and Nathan.
Of the daunting task, he says, "It is a challenge to give the children the time they need, and to balance the fact that I also have needs, and still give selflessly to them.  There is always that twist and pull, and I'm always trying to tip the scales in their favor."
At the end of the day, it all seems to work, and the rewards are great.  "It's always the little things that are the greatest," said Steve.  "It's the hugs when I come home and the kisses.  And it's nice to have them think I know everything for a little while.  And I think back to when I was in college and coming home to an empty house or apartment.  It's all very special to me now.  It makes everything worthwhile.  Otherwise, existence is kind of pointless."
Thank you, Steve Sarvi, for having a good heart, a (city) father's heart.  Victoria is very lucky, and so are Barb and the kids.