Rules Committee recommends a mix of reappointments and new members to Veterans Affairs Commission

The Rules Committee advanced multiple appointments for the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission after extended public testimony from veterans’ groups, service organizations and community advocates.

Applicants and endorsers described an agenda that emphasizes housing and services for homeless veterans, mental-health and PTSD treatment, job training and outreach to younger veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Supporters urged the committee to appoint candidates who would focus the commission more on community-based services instead of largely ceremonial duties.

Speakers included representatives from Swords to Plowshares, Veterans for Peace, Veterans of Foreign Wars District 15 and other veterans-support organizations. Several endorsers urged reappointment of long-time commissioners (including Wallace Levin) for their institutional knowledge and memorial-day work while also backing new nominees to inject fresh energy addressing homelessness and reintegration needs.

Supervisors debated how best to balance institutional memory and new perspectives. The committee recommended forwarding George Gibbs and Dara Wong for specific seats, and discussed several other appointments (including a roll-call on one seat) to the full Board for confirmation. The committee also asked applicants about the commission’s involvement on controversial topics such as Junior ROTC in schools; applicants said the commission’s authority is advisory and nonpartisan and that its primary role is to advise the Mayor and Board on veterans’ matters.

The Board will receive the committee’s recommendations for final confirmation.