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VFW, American Legion and mayor urge county help after dispute at senior center; commissioners promise review
Summary
Multiple veterans and the mayor of Metolius told commissioners they want the county to help resolve a dispute at the Thurston County Community Senior Center over plaques, access and the lease; commissioners agreed to review security, lease language and meeting membership lists.
Several veterans and the mayor of Metolius used the public comment period at the Sept. 3 Jefferson County Board of Commissioners meeting to press the county for help resolving disputes at the Thurston County Community Senior Center.
Mayor Sean Stanfield told the commissioners he has a constituent in poor health and raised concern about a letter sent to a resident; he said a photo and plaque honoring longtime volunteer Louise Muir had been removed and asked the county to help the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW and American Legion be recognized as co‑partners in the building rather than subordinate to the senior board.
Mike Williams, who identified himself as commander of the VFW, and Alan Alderman, a local veteran and district commander, described problems with access to the veterans’ office, key distribution and perceived gaps in building security. Williams said paperwork and lease records were missing from a prior transition and the veterans want at least better, more reliable entry and privacy for veterans seeking services.
County staff and commissioners said they would act on security and lease concerns. County counsel confirmed the current lease is between the county and the senior organization (effective in 02/2005) and that the VFW does not appear on the lease. Commissioners asked county staff to review lease language, rekeying and camera plans and to collect a current list of board members for the senior organization. Commissioner Taylor said she would work with veterans’ contacts to find solutions and Commissioner Simile said the county would prioritize secure office access for the county’s veteran service officer and other veteran services.
Why it matters: Veterans and service organizations told the board they provide local crisis and claims support and asked that veterans be able to use the community center to serve residents confidentially and reliably. Veterans asked the county to help obtain one or more additional keys, restore recognition of long‑standing veterans’ displays, and review whether leased space and building security practices are adequate for handling veterans’ confidential information.
Next steps: County staff said the building will be rekeyed and additional cameras are planned; staff will compile and provide the board with the senior board membership list the veterans requested. Commissioners directed staff to meet with the veterans organizations and senior board members and to report back to the board with options for lease amendments and security improvements.
Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the veterans’ service role in emergency response and said they would work to ensure secure, functional office space and better coordination between the senior organization and veterans’ groups.
