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Suskie proposes vets division in AG's office Wednesday, Apr 12, 2006 By Rob Moritz Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - Democratic candidate Paul Suskie said Tuesday he would create a new veterans advocacy division in the attorney general's office if elected as the state's top legal officer. Suskie, the North Little Rock city attorney and a major in the Arkansas National Guard, also said he would push for amending state law to allow the attorney general to investigate complaints and file lawsuits on behalf of veterans whose rights have been violated. He said the attorney general currently can file lawsuits on behalf of someone who is discriminated against under the civil rights act and fair housing cases. Suskie discussed his plans during a news conference outside the American Legion Post 1 in downtown Little Rock, where he is a member. Warren Crow, past post commander and currently post manager, said Tuesday's news conference did not mean that the American Legion Post was endorsing Suskie. He said the post does not endorse candidates, but allowed Suskie to use the location because he is in the Arkansas National Guard and a member of the post. Suskie faces Rep. Dustin McDaniel of Jonesboro and Saline County Prosecutor Robert Herzfeld in the May 23 Democratic primary. Republican Gunner DeLay is also seeking the post held by Democrat Mike Beebe, who is running for governor. Suskie, who served in Afghanistan and returned home last year, said more than 80 percent of Arkansas National Guard members have been activated since he Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "These activations place heavy personal, financial and legal burdens on these Arkansans that are often difficult to resolve due to their complicated legal nature," Suskie said. "As Attorney General, I will serve as an advocate for these service members, their families and the 280,000 Arkansas veterans." He said the Office of Veteran's Advocacy would be located within the Consumer Protection Division and would not require additional personnel. "By designating members of the Consumer Protection Division's staff as veterans' advocates, we will provide assistance accessing all the available federal and state resources and ensure that veterans' rights are protected," he said. Herzfeld said Tuesday that he was grateful to American service personnel who have made sacrifices to protect American liberties, but he was noncommittal about Suskie's proposal. McDaniel said he would be willing to consider Suskie's idea if elected attorney general. "But at this point, the only new bureau of the AG's office that I'm talking about creating is a Health Care Bureau," McDaniel said. He said he would be an advocate for veterans but also fight to improve health insurance in the state. |
