Butler County Veterans Board protests attempt to allow non-veterans

The Butler County Veterans Service Commission is protesting a move by the state that would try to wrest some control over hiring and funding of local veterans’ groups and boards.

The board sent a letter to all of the state senators and representatives from Butler County asking them to stop a move by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services that aims to allow non-veterans to be service officers and executive directors of local veterans boards.

Changes to the definition of veterans and qualifications for executive directors are proposed in the House budget bill.

“To change the definition of veteran in this circumstance does nothing to benefit the Ohio veterans we serve,” Butler County Veterans Board President Chuck Weber wrote. “Instead, the watered-down definition elevates non-veterans to occupy positions wherein only veterans should serve.”

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The proposed language also requires executive directors to have at least three years of experience in administration, fiscal matters, law, operations or communications.

Weber said he agrees with the proposed qualifications for the top spot in the agency that handles $2 million of taxpayers’ money, but he believes local boards don’t need to be told what to look for in their leader.

“They are good qualifications, but then are we saying the boards of commissioners don’t have the ability to make those decisions without somebody lording over them in that respect,” Weber said. “I wouldn’t vote to hire anyone who didn’t have those qualifications, I just don’t think it needs to be codified.”

Eileen Corson, spokeswoman for the state agency said the language merely adopts the definition of a veteran passed by the General Assembly, which recognizes members of the National Guard and reserves as veterans. She said non-veterans who are family members of veterans can also serve as service officers in counties where a qualified veteran can’t be found.

“The goal in that is to make sure no county veterans service position remains empty more than six months…,” she said. “We do have counties that have had difficulties filling these positions.”

Weber told the Journal-News he believes veterans are the best advocates for their fellow service members, and the state should not be able to dictate to local, autonomous boards in hiring decisions.

“I’m not going to say this is always, positively right, but I think if veterans are in these positions they are more motivated and kind of in the same club, if you will,” he said. “Now you have to make exceptions for individuals that are either better than that or not, and probably some non-veterans might be pretty good at it. But I think the first default ought to be we want to go for a veteran first.”

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The changes would also create a grant program with funds that are currently earmarked only for the 13 national veteran service organizations, including the American Legion and VFW.

Under the proposal, any federally chartered organization could apply for a grant from ODVS but priority would be given to organizations who “connect veterans to employment, training, and health care resources.”

“This has the potential of opening the doors to countless new organizations lining up to receive a grant,” Weber wrote.

MORE: During dysfunction, Butler County leaders wanted changes to how board members appointed

Dave Ridenour, past president of the Veterans Service Commission Association said there has been a loud outcry from his organization and others. Amendments have been submitted to the budget bill and hearings are being held in the House this week.

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