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Veteran advocate urges advisory council as county moves to add second VSO; commissioners respond
Summary
Public commenter Brad Pitzik urged Clatsop County to form a non‑political veteran advisory council and pressed for progress on hiring a second full‑time veterans service officer (VSO). Commissioners and staff said the county has budgeted a second VSO and an administrative assistant, and that interim coverage is planned while hiring proceeds.
During public comment Brad Pitzik, who identified himself as a Clatsop County resident, urged the board to improve outreach and representation for veterans — saying veterans make up roughly 10% of the county population — and recommended forming a practical, non‑political veteran advisory council to provide regular input to county decision‑makers. He said he supported the board’s action to add a second full‑time veterans service officer and asked for an update on hiring and next steps.
The board responded that staff have budgeted for a second VSO this year and that the position will be fully funded next year along with an administrative assistant. County officials said an interim staff person (Sam) may provide coverage and that Human Resources and the hiring team are working toward filling the roles. The county manager said the veterans committee will be included in the county strategic plan for 2026–27 for future consideration and allocation of board attention.
Commissioner Webb offered a public apology for a prior remark that had offended some veterans and explained her personal family military history while expressing regret for any offense caused.
Next steps: Staff will continue the hiring process for the second VSO and include the veterans committee topic in the county strategic plan; no board vote was required on the public comment request.
