Madonna Nicklow is the best qualified and she doesn't need to be trained for this position.
In the past, there have been reasons why the Fayette County Veterans Affairs directors have given up the position, mostly because of low pay and long hours. However, the most recent directors left saying there was too much politics in the job.
The newspapers are saying it would behoove the commissioners to do everything in their power to ensure the next person to hold this position has a better grasp on the position before the candidate takes office. This is an important job, and the commissioners and the veterans liaison committee definitely need to work extra hard to find someone who can provide stability in the office.
I have been in the VA Directors Office on numerous occasions and observed how the Veterans Affairs Office staff worked with the veterans and their dependents in filing their claims, assisting and explaining what benefits were available to them and their dependents.
I don't understand why they don't hire Madonna Nicklow for this position. She is definitely the most qualified person for the job.
Let me repeat some statements made at the Nov. 19, 2009, Fayette County commissioners meeting. Commissioner Vincent Zapotosky said Nicklow should be commended for the services she has provided for our veterans. He also stated Nicklow has served the veterans office for the past eight years. Although she is not a veteran, she has provided services to the veterans of Fayette County with passion and commitment.
The Veterans Preference Act states if a civilian and a veteran are equally qualified for the position the veteran would get the job. But if the civilian is better qualified than the veteran, the job should go to the civilian. Then who is to say Nicklow is not better qualified for this position⢠She has been certified by the VA. Again I refer back to the Nov. 19, 2009, commissioners meeting when Zapotosky told Nicklow she is vital to the Veterans Affairs Office regardless of her title.
Nicklow is the best qualified and she doesn't need to be trained for this position. She has been doing the job all this time.
J.R. Smith
Uniontown
The writer is regional president northeast of the Fleet Reserve Association.
