Only a handful of veterans, estimated at “9 or 10” people, attended the Schuyler County Legislature meeting on Monday night. The Odessa File reported that despite a large gathering last week in support of Kristine “Sparky” Gardner, the recently dismissed director of the Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency, turnout was light.
The sole speaker, the wife of a Vietnam veteran, addressed the legislators, conveying that despite the small group, veterans remain determined. “We’re not going away,” she stated. Legislator Phil Barnes expressed his frustration, noting that not all legislators had been informed prior to Gardner’s dismissal on April 18.
Observers had anticipated a larger crowd, as the Legislature had allotted up to 45 minutes for public comments. The issue of Gardner’s dismissal continues to be a point of contention among local veterans and legislators.
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