Fleming continues plea for services
By Kelly Griffith-Fields news@bullardnews.com

Since the counseling program benefits at the Tyler Department of Veterans Affairs office were discontinued, the county's separate Veterans Services Office is being bombarded with referrals.

In response to the issue commissioners -- as well as other city and state officials -- are doing their best to get the program reinstated.

After months of unanswered letters from the VA's regional office, a response and proposal were finally made.

A proposal that Precinct 1 Commissioner JoAnn Fleming does not agree is enough.

Collin McLochlin with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's Dallas office called Fleming with information confirming the Department of Veterans Affairs proposal that a part time, once-a-week counselor will be assigned to the Tyler VA office.

"I do not believe that a part time, once-aweek counselor for our veterans is sufficient to handle the benefits counseling for our older veterans, much less for those who will be returning from Iraq and Afghanistan," Fleming said.

So she's taking matters into her own hands.

"I am not satisfied with this response from the Waco office; therefore, I have asked Sen. Cornyn's office to set up a meeting to discuss the matter with Veterans Affairs officials. They have agreed to do so."

Fleming said everyone trying to serve veterans ' needs answers, and based on the quick action of Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert

she is confident that the questions will be answered.

"Every single veteran deserves prompt, efficient and effective service," Fleming said.

Plans for a memorial to honor veterans was also discussed at the commissioners court meeting.

Andy Rebber a representative from the Verdin Company presented the commissioners with a slide show detailing the ideas in the works for a 30 foot clock tower that will also encompass a bell, to honor Veterans. Commissioners support the idea and plan on community involvement to help fund the tower. McGinnis said it's a worthy project to present the community with and Verdin's goal is to have a standard memorial that residents will see and know it is to honor veterans.

The estimated cost of the project will be near $250,000, Rebber said.

The clock tower itself will be hauled on a flat bed to the downtown square where it is planned to be located.

The bell with be cast on site and hung during festivities to showcase the event.

Commissioner declines pay raise

Following suit with Fleming, Bill McGinnis revealed last week that he will not be accepting phases 2 or 3 of the pay raise the commissioners court approved last year.

McGinnis said in a prepared statement that the continued controversy surrounding the issues creates a distraction from other issues that the Court needs to focus on such as the jail project, roads and bridges and aging county infrastructure.

"I feel that by taking this action and putting this issue to rest," McGinnis said. "I can fully concentrate on the critical issues facing us and do a better job of serving the citizens of my precinct and Smith County.

An affidavit declining the following phases of the pay raise has already been issued. Commissioner Bobby Van Ness and Judge Joel Baker each said they are following McGinnis and taking the same stance on the issue.

Judge Randall Rogers was also recognized at the meeting with a Longevity certificate and service pin for his 20 years of employment.

In other business, commissioners approved:

..Apresentation on the two Tyler DPS scale houses on Interstate 20;

.. A presentation on a proposed runway extension at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport;

.. Payment of bills and payroll, transfers of funds, health claims and budget transfers;

.. Utility and pipeline installation requests;

.. Easements and plats; .. Changes in reappointment terms for the Emergency Services District No. 2;

.. Grant application for Victims Services Division.

.. Purchase of a data-line for future installation of an ATM machine in the courthouse; and

.. Tax refunds.