KITSAP SUN INVESTIGATIVE SERIES
Through the careful cultivation of sources, tenacious reporting over a year and a half and astute recognition of the pertinent facts, I was able to uncover mismanagement and violations of several state laws and codes by the state VA. Despite repeated attempts by the department to "manage" me and cover up clear infractions of unequivocally written state regulations, my investigative series prompted a governor-directed formal review of departmental policy and an apology from the agency's director for his actions. Below is a listing of stories, from the most recent, either written by me or based on my original reporting.
Veterans Deserve the Spirit and Letter of the Law
A Kitsap Sun editorial based on my reporting.
Oct. 10, 2009
State Veterans Affairs Director Says He'll Clarify Hiring Process
A Kitsap Sun follow-up story based on my original reporting.
Oct. 6, 2009
How Are Veterans Home Directors Hired? State Wants to Know
A follow-up to our initial investigation.
Oct. 3, 2009 |
As a state board investigates the appointment of one veterans home superintendent, a clarification of hiring practices will be issued by the director of Veterans Affairs to “ensure there is no confusion in future recruitments,” a spokeswoman at Gov. Chris Gregoire’s office said.
Clean Up the Veterans Home Leadership Mess
A Kitsap Sun editorial based on my reporting.
Sept. 30, 2009
Top Retsil Administrators May Lack Credentials Required by Law
The launch of our investigation.
Sept. 24, 2009 |
The top two administrators at the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil are not qualified to hold the position of superintendent at the facility under state law.
> A list of applicable laws
Former Retsil superintendent says he was forced to resign
The story that eventually led to this investigative series.
June 7, 2008 | The former superintendent of Retsil, Richard Shreder, now says he was forced from his position when he resigned in March, despite a claim by the state Veterans Affairs director that Shreder left on his own accord.
