KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — After months of tension, personality problems, and poor service to Kalamazoo’s Veterans due to injuries and sickness on the staff, The Kalamazo County Board is considering shutting down the Veterans Advisory Committee and handing the duties of the veteran’s office over to the Community Mental Health Agency.
The proposal comes from a task force that has been working on the issue since complaints surfaced this spring.
Commissioners generally liked the idea. CMS Administrator Jeff Patton said veterans would not only have access to federal programs, but easier access to local services as well.
But not all veterans are convinced. There was some anger that no one from the advisory board was assigned to the task force. The current chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee, Bob Henken warns there could be issues with gaining certification for Veterans Affairs staff and other unintended consequences.
The task force recommendation was handed to the administrator for staff review and she says she will be back with a recommendation at a future meeting.
