Rules Committee forwards Commission on Aging reappointment, continues Veterans Affairs appointments

The Rules Committee of the Board of Supervisors moved the reappointment of Catherine Russo to the advisory council for the Commission on Aging to the full Board without opposition after Russo summarized her background in social work and gerontology and her service representing the council at statewide advisory meetings.

Committee members then heard testimony from multiple applicants to the Veterans Affairs Commission and public commenters supporting several candidates. Applicants who spoke included Lee Burnett, a Navy veteran and City College student who described nonprofit partnerships for veterans’ housing and jobs; Mary Trammell, a Marine Corps veteran and city employee who raised questions about retirement crediting and apprenticeships for returning veterans; and John Gallagher, a service‑connected disabled veteran and long‑time veterans service representative who described direct experience with VA claims and shelter programs.

Public speakers urged legal and clinical expertise on the commission and stressed connections to the County Veterans Service Office and City College. Chair Jane Kim and other committee members noted a desire to hear absent applicants in person before finalizing all appointments. Supervisor Farrell proposed placing John Gallagher in Seat 6 — the seat discussed in the meeting — and holding the remaining two seats so candidates who were delayed or absent can appear. The committee voted to continue the Veterans Affairs appointments to the call of the chair and indicated it will schedule further consideration at a subsequent Rules Committee meeting.