Anne Arundel is seeking to give veterans a hiring preference, but which positions would fall under that preference is creating a rift between one councilman and the administration.
Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-District 4, introduced a bill that would give veterans preference to all county government jobs, even those that are non-tested, given that all other qualifications are equal between the candidates.
“It does not create an absolute preference,” said Benoit, an Army veteran. “Veterans do not have to get the job over someone more experienced. It?s subjective analysis for non-tested positions.”
County Executive John R. Leopold disapproves of the bill because he said it creates unfairness and possible legal problems. He has offered an amendment that would award points to veterans in public safety positions that require score-based testing. “I?m certainly going to do everything I can to provide assistance, in a practical legal way,” Leopold said.
Leopold?s amendment would only affect firefighters, police officers, sheriff deputies and correctional officers, which amounts to 45 percent of the county work force, said county personnel officer Andrea Fulton during last week?s council meeting.
Fulton said there are 573 county employees claiming military experience.
Benoit did not support the amendment, calling it discriminatory against disabled veterans, who by nature cannot gain most public safety positions.
“The very reason these things exist is for disabled veterans,” Benoit said. “It?s payback for the extraordinary sacrifice they made. It?s available to anyone who put in the work in the military.”
Leopold said the amendment does extend preference to communications positions.
“It?s not just a reward, but a bonus for taxpayers,” said Patric Enright, a Marine combat veteran who testified at the recent council meeting. “Veterans have unique skills they can bring to the county work force.”
It’s unclear how the council will move on the bill ? as few commented on its merits – but Council Chairman Ronald Dillon, Jr., R-District 3, has said he has not heard any considerable opposition.
The public hearing is still open, and comments can be made at the next meeting.
