In recognition of the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of those residents of the Town of Wolcott who have bravely served in the armed services of this country, there is hereby established, in accordance with Section 427 of the Town of Wolcott Charter, the Commission on Veteran's Advocacy, the purpose of which shall be to provide for the advancement of, and assistance to, veterans and their dependents in the manner and through the means set forth below in §
190-4 of this chapter.
The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the
Mayor, not more than four of whom shall be from the same political
party, and all of whom shall be residents of Wolcott. One member of
the Commission shall be chosen by the Mayor from a list of individuals
nominated by the Wolcott Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1979, one member
of the Commission shall be chosen by the Mayor from a list of individuals
nominated by the American Legion Post 165, and one member of the Commission
to be appointed by the Mayor shall be the Wolcott Tax Assessor.
Each member of the Commission shall serve for a term of two
years, which terms shall terminate on the same date as the term of
the Mayor, except that such members shall continue to serve until
their successors are appointed and qualify. Any vacancies shall be
filled in accordance with the requirements of the Charter.
The Commission shall have the following authority and duties:
(a) to act as the coordinating agency in all matters concerning veterans
and their dependents, coordinating the activities of public and private
facilities concerned with veterans' reemployment, education,
rehabilitation and adjustment to peacetime living; (b) cooperate with
all national, state and local governmental and private agencies in
securing services and benefits to which a veteran or his/her dependents
may be entitled; (c) use the services and facilities of the veterans
organizations so far as possible to carry out the purposes of this
ordinance and General Statutes § 27-135; (d) encourage and
coordinate vocational training services for veterans; (e) serve as
a resource for information concerning federal, state and local benefits,
programs and services for veterans and their dependents; (f) compile
contact information from federal and state veterans' affairs
agencies and veterans' advocacy groups regarding available benefits,
programs and services; (g) conduct celebratory and memorial events
to commemorate national and state holidays and such other events to
honor active military and veterans; (h) assist the Mayor and other
Town officials and employees in communicating matters of interest
to veterans and their dependents; and (i) such other lawful acts as
may be necessary or convenient in carrying out the duties and goals
set forth in this chapter.
The Commission shall meet a minimum of four times during the
calendar year.