Wilson's tenacity pays off
, Publisher
07-21-2010
The Union Community Action Association in Union Parish has been helping folks in our area since 1965.
Recently, the non-profit organization came under the fiscal bullseye of the Workforce Investment Board, which oversees the organization.
During a meeting in April, the Workforce Investment Board had recommended that Union Community Action be consolidated with offices from Madison and West Carroll parishes and undergo budget cuts as well.
However, at the meeting, UCA director Larry Wilson and his staff were not allowed to speak - a clear violation of state open meeting laws.
Wilson, unable to state his case and facing a situation, which would result in the loss of services for many Union Parish residents, did not take his situation sitting down.
Wilson took his case to the Louisiana Workforce Commission to appeal the Workforce Investment Board's decision. After presenting the facts, the LWC agreed with Wilson, forcing the Workforce Investment Board to schedule another meeting and take a re-vote.
Once able to present his side of the story to the Workforce Investment Board, the board voted against the consolidation plan.
Wilson's actions saved UCA from its demise and saved valuable benefits for needy residents of Union Parish.
The Gazette applauds Wilson's tenacity and perseverance in defending his organization. Because of his actions, UCA - the second-largest non-profit organization in the parish -- will remain a vital and important resource for Union Parish's poorest citizens.
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