By Jennifer Ortiz
Staff Writer
HOWELL — Township Council members want to ensure that an individual’s military service will be counted in lieu of college credits when that person seeks employment with the Howell Police Department.
An ordinance introduced during a recent meeting states that applicants must have at least 65 college credits and be actively working toward a bachelor’s degree; have at least two years of active military service; or at least 30 college credits and at least 12 months of active military service with an honorable discharge.
The ordinance was scheduled for adoption at the council’s June 13 meeting.
Council members also passed a resolution that authorizes hiring preferences for veterans in the municipality.
Resident Barbara Dixel thanked the members of the governing body for their ongoing support of veterans in Howell.
“Our military personnel have come home in coffins, they have come home very sick, lost limbs, committed suicide, have severe financial and family hardships, and have to wait many months to get an appointment to see a doctor at a veterans medical facility,” Dixel said.
“No matter what branch of the armed forces they served in, no matter what war or action they fought in, and no matter how long ago it was, they are still waiting to get help,” she said.
Township Manager Jeff Mayfield said the council’s action shows the spirit of granting veterans a preference in hiring as its assures that individuals who have the minimum qualifications will always at least be interviewed.
The resolution passed by the council states that veterans continue to deal with issues of unemployment and under-employment and goes on to state, “Veterans have skills that make them desirable to employees and there is a growing need for the successful reintroduction of veterans into the civilian workforce after honorable service to our country.”
The council authorized the establishment of a program of preferences for hiring veterans for employment by the township.
Councilman Ed Guz advocated for taking veterans preference a step further.
“I don’t know how this compares to the state’s veterans preference, because in the state there are two levels of veteran preferences. There are ordinary veteran preferences, which supersede any civil service list, and there is a higher preference, which is disabled veteran preference,” Guz said.
He suggested that the council incorporate the state’s regulations into its veterans employment preferences.
Township Attorney McKenna Torcivia explained that the ordinance before the council specifically focuses on the hiring of officers for the police department.
Mayfield said Guz’s comments could be a point for discussion in the future.
Mayor Bill Gotto spoke in favor of introducing the ordinance as it was proposed because he said prospective officers had been advised that credit would be given for military service in lieu of educational requirements.
The council members unanimously introduced the ordinance and passed the resolution as presented and indicated that a discussion regarding hiring preferences for veterans could be placed on a future agenda.
