Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Warren Slocum, District 4
Subject: Appointment to the San Mateo County Veterans Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the appointment of Benjamin Suncin to the San Mateo County Veterans Commission as an Alternate member for an initial partial term ending June 30, 2026.
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BACKGROUND:
On June 2, 2015, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 073812 establishing the San Mateo County Veterans Commission. The mandate of the Veterans Commission includes the promotion of programs and policies that address the unmet needs of veterans in San Mateo County, such as those identified in the 2014 San Mateo County Veterans Needs Assessment. In establishing the Veterans Commission, the Board specifically directed those efforts be undertaken to maximize the likelihood that the Commission's membership will reflect the diversity of veterans in San Mateo County, including with respect to race/ethnicity, gender, age and sexual orientation.
Subsequently, on November 3, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 074159, which increased the membership of the Veterans Commission from nine to eleven regular voting members. Thereafter, on November 17, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 074183 which expanded the membership of the Veterans Commission to include two alternate members.
DISCUSSION:
This recommendation is for the appointment of Benjamin Suncin as noted above, to serve as an Alternate for an existing partial term on a seat vacated by Keith Darby upon becoming a voting member in April 2024.
Benjamin Suncin is a veteran of the U.S. Navy who has long been involved in improving the lives of veterans, particularly homeless veterans. He is a veterans services consultant with LifeMoves and a former Board member of the Swords to Plowshares organization.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.