Montco Rep: Veterans Affairs Should Learn From Chip Kelly

Montgomery and Bucks County Congressman and sports fan Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) thinks that innovative coach Chip Kelly could teach the much maligned Philadelphia Department of Veterans Affairs a few things.

The branch has been the subject of renewed scrutiny and criticism lately, ever since the most recent report by the VA’s Office of the Inspector General revealed mismanagement and corruption.

Fitzpatrick commented that as the office begins to rebuild towards a more productive future, they could learn from a local sports hero.

“Chip Kelly is building the Eagles preaching about the importance of culture of success,” Fitzpatrick said. “The Philadelphia VARO could take a page from that playbook.”

Fitzpatrick’s words come in the wake of a visit he made to the branch with several other lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, to inspect the office and its operations and meet with leaders.

“For years, a culture of systemic mismanagement, corruption and outright absurdity at the agency has hurt veterans and wasted taxpayer dollars,” he added. “The Philadelphia VARO has a long road ahead of it to regain the faith of our region’s veterans, and its issues will only be solved by transparent reforms and removal of all those who facilitated this dysfunction. Today’s meeting is a step toward meeting that goal, but there is plenty more work to do.”

Already, former Assistant Director Lucy Filipov and Pension Management Center Manager Gary Hodge have been removed due to allegations in the Inspector General’s report.