MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A commissioner for the Alabama Department of Veterans' Affairs says he will not step down from his position, rejecting a call for his resignation by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Kent Davis issued a statement on Friday criticizing what he called "inaccurate claims made against the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs."
Ivey on Thursday asked for Davis' resignation, alleging that he “mishandled” a grant program from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The governor also removed John Kilpatrick, a Mobile-based veterans care provider, from the State Board of Veterans’ Affairs. Both men were involved in a recent ethics complaint against the Alabama Department of Mental Health that the Alabama Ethics Commission dismissed as frivolous last month.
In video and written remarks, Davis on Friday defended his performance and that of the department.
"At no time did our actions jeopardize the State of Alabama in fulfilling its obligations of the $2.1 billion in ARPA funds," he said.
Davis cited achievements including an expansion of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort and the completion of Alabama's fifth State Veterans Home.
"We have come a long way in supporting our nation’s heroes, but the mission is far from complete," he said. "I look forward to continuing the fight by their sides.”
After Davis failed to meet a deadline to submit his resignation, Ivey said she would press for his involuntary removal.
“I am prepared to take further action," she said in a statement.
A special Board meeting has been called for Tuesday when the matter is expected to be addressed.
Davis delivered a letter outlining his position to the governor Friday morning.
The letter states:
“I respectfully disagree with the inaccurate claims made against the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs this week. We have continuously been transparent in our department’s mission and day-to-day operations in our service to Alabama’s 400,000 Veterans. This includes earlier this year when ADVA attempted to work with members of the Governor’s staff, cabinet, and the Department of Finance regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds. At no time did our actions jeopardize the State of Alabama in fulfilling its obligations of the $2.1 billion in ARPA funds.
“This has been an outstanding year for the ADVA as we have completed the first planned expansion of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort and next week will dedicate our fifth State Veterans Home, which is named in honor of Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient and Alabama native Bennie G. Adkins. We will continue to support Alabama’s Veterans and their families by assisting them with benefits they have earned, finding housing for homeless, seeking non-profit assistance for funding, and providing referrals for mental and physical health care.
“It is my desire and will to continue advocating for Alabama Veterans. We have come a long way in supporting our nation’s heroes, but the mission is far from complete. I look forward to continuing the fight by their sides.”