The Governor's office isn't allowing State Board of Veterans Affairs (SBVA) members to attend Tuesday's special-called meeting virtually or by phone, according to SBVA member Ken Rollins.
Rollins, a Vietnam veteran, told 1819 News on Monday he likely wouldn't be able to attend the special-called meeting due to the change of the longstanding courtesy of allowing members to attend virtually or by phone.
Rollins made the motion at a previous board meeting for the SBVA to ask outgoing Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) commissioner Kent Davis to consider rescinding his resignation.
Governor Kay Ivey called another SBVA meeting on Friday to consider immediately removing Davis.
The meeting will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Old Archives Room of the State Capitol in Montgomery. Ivey needs the board's approval to remove Davis.
Rollins, an Anniston resident, said he has attended SBVA meetings virtually for the past year due to nerve damage in his legs that makes it difficult for him to drive.
"Last time I was down there (in Montgomery) I t-boned a car and totaled mine out. I have a problem hitting the brakes and my gas because of a leg problem. I try to stay as close to home as possible. The virtual calling has been a blessing because I can participate, but I guess I participated too much at the last meeting," Rollins said.
Rollins said other board members likely wouldn't be able to attend in person due to the short notice of the meeting or health issues.
"Other members can't call in either. It's not just me," Rollins said. "I personally think it's the Governor (or) her people. I don't know if it's her personally doing it or her legal people, but I'm sure they want me silent. They definitely want me silent."
Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for Ivey, said in a statement to 1819 News, "It is inaccurate to say the “Governor’s Office” is not letting anyone attend remotely."
"This is a question of state law. The Open Meetings Act states that members of “any state board or agency acting in any quasi judicial capacity involving employment actions” are “prohibited from participating in meetings and deliberation via electronic communications.” (Ala. Code § 36-25A-5.1(d)(5)). Every member of the State Board of Veterans Affairs may attend the meeting in-person," Maiola said.
Ivey has maintained that ADVA mishandled American Rescue Plan Act funds. Davis resigned on September 9, effective December 31, after previously declining to resign. An SBVA committee approved a report last week stating Davis and ADVA did nothing wrong with the funds.
"It's the worst thing that's ever happened to our veterans in the state of Alabama. I can't show you and she can't show you any gains that the veterans get out of losing the best commissioner we've ever had. I selected two other commissioners. I know what we've got in Kent Davis. I know what he's accomplished," Rollins said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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