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Personnel committee recommends favorable confirmation for Victor E. Ortega as director of veterans services
Summary
The Lawrence City Council Personnel Committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation for Victor E. Ortega to be confirmed as the city's director of Veterans Services; final confirmation will occur at full council on March 17.
The Lawrence City Council Personnel Committee voted Monday to send a favorable recommendation to the full council for the confirmation of Victor E. Ortega as director of Veterans Services.
Ortega, who described himself as a U.S. Marine veteran and a long-time Lawrence resident, told the committee he joined the Marines after the Sept. 11 attacks and later served in Iraq and Afghanistan. "I am dedicated to serving all veterans with transparency, integrity, and focus on long term solutions," Ortega said during his remarks to the committee.
The committee heard a short presentation from the city attorney introducing Ortega's confirmation package and then gave the nominee an opportunity to speak. Ortega said he has worked with the Department of Veterans Services on rehousing, benefits assistance and compliance training and that he prepared demographic data about veterans in the city for the committee.
Councilor comments focused on process and outreach. One councilor urged the administration not to issue press releases announcing appointments before the council completes confirmation, saying public announcements should follow the formal approval process. Another committee member thanked Ortega for his service and urged support for rebuilding the department.
A motion to forward item 82-25 with a favorable recommendation was made by Councilor Louzon and seconded by Councilor Levy; the committee voted to approve the motion. Committee members noted the final step is the full council confirmation, scheduled for the council meeting next Tuesday, when a final vote will decide the appointment.
Ortega said his primary goal, if confirmed, would be to "reach every veteran in the city and inform them about the services we provide and that we are here to assist them in any way we can." The committee did not set conditions on the recommendation.
The committee session recorded a 30-day window referenced in the packet for completing confirmation procedures; the committee chair noted that the administrative 30-day period for full approval or denial expires March 31.
