Today, November 11th, 2021 our nation, the United States of America celebrates another Veteran’s Day, dedicated to those who donned a military uniform and served this country honorably.
I was drafted in the Viet Nam era. I had a safe tour of duty at Ft. Sheridan, IL. Two soldiers from the Grafton area were not so lucky, their names are now carved in granite on the Viet Nam memorial. All who served in some capacity, did sacrifice, some substantially more than others.
Around 100 years ago, the State of Iowa enacted the Veteran’s Preference law, Ch. 35C of the Iowa Code. This code reads in part: In every public department and upon all public works in the state, and of the counties, cities, and school corporations of the state, veterans who are citizens and residents of the United States are entitled to preference in appointment and employment over other applicants of no greater qualifications.
The Mitchell County Economic Development Commission believes it is exempt from following Ch. 35C just as it believes it can take secret votes. This Commission has openly thumbed its nose at 35C and ignores the mandate for hiring a highly qualified veteran.
I applied for the advertised job of Economic Development Director. I met the 4 year degree requirement with my Business Education diploma along with an Accounting Emphasis. I have over a dozen major accomplishments in this field on my resume’ along with close to 50 years of impressive experiences. The MCEDC Board hired Sheri Penny instead who admittedly explained her degree was in Elementary Education, she stated she has no related economic development experience with no accomplishments but was willing to learn.
When asked why I was not hired, the responses varied from Mark Jensen, the Board President. 1. I was not dressed appropriately. (My dress was equivalent to those on the interviewing committee.) 2. I was too confident. 3. I was derogatory to a couple of our present County Supervisors. (I did not realize a private conversation I had in January with Mark Jensen qualified as a public statement.) Long story short; a committee can always drum up an excuse or two to not hire someone when it fits their personal agenda.
The Mitchell County Economic Development Commission had no intention from the outset to hire me, even though I was by far the most qualified. The law says most qualified, not a personalities judgement as this was the case. The MCEDC violated the Open Meetings Laws and the Open Records Laws claiming this organization did not fall under these laws as well. See Iowa Public Information Board Case # 21FC0061.
I bring this up for one reason. In the future, there will be other military veteran’s applying for governmental positions in Mitchell County, city or school government. Has the MCEDC set a president, a norm, that the Veteran’s Preference law can be ignored, with no repercussions? Is this truly how we want to treat future honorably discharged veterans? Is this what Mitchell County wants to be known for, violating Iowa Codes with no penalties? Is Mitchell County becoming a lawless county?
Why is the Board of Supervisors remaining silent on this? I thought the Board of Supervisors swore an oath to uphold the laws of the State of Iowa when it observes violations? I am disappointed the BOS has chosen to remain silent on Ch. 35C of the Code in Mitchell County.
There will be some ceremonies today for our past and present Veteran’s throughout North Iowa. I hope I do not see any members or employees of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission in attendance. When it comes to our honorably served veteran’s, I have little or no time for hypocrites standing next to our honorably discharged veteran’s from all branches of military service, claiming they truly honor the veteran’s service while ignoring 35C.
Enjoy your Special Day Veterans, each and every one of you truly earned it!
Stan Walk
St. Ansgar
Why would there ever be a mandate to hire anyone? Hiring should be by qualifications, education and most of all experience.
I didn’t get my way, “Screw you guys, I’m going home.”
Grow a pair and quit bitching. Iowa is a right to work state
Stan, it’s probably because you have always been confrontational, even when there isn’t a reason.
You look for reasons to be offended, to have a chip on your shoulder, then you let EVERYONE know it. Now there is a mountain, where there wasn’t even an anthill before.
This is why people don’t want you to have any sort of authority, or be in public office.
Maybe it because of your past reputation – not so good we heard and behind big business and screw the little guy maybe ? – oh just a thought but I agree with you on 35C .