State Rep. John Velis said although there are two investigations into the issues at the Holyoke Soldiers Home that led to a severe outbreak of the coronavirus and more than 70 deaths – one from the Attorney General’s office and one authorized by Gov. Charlie Baker – he said members of the Legislature are now doing their “due diligence” for their own investigation.

“We are set to go,” he said.

Velis believe this is appropriate as the Legislature is the body that approves the budget for the Home.

He said the investigation “needs to explore all of this angles of this in an expansive way … if there was wrongdoing, people need to held accountable.”

Velis spoke to Reminder Publishing last week after he made a visit to the Home. He saw a solemn ceremony honoring a resident of the Home who had lost his life. He noted that staff members were crying as the casket was transferred from inside the Home to outside the building.

“Being there and knowing the amount of deaths was heart-breaking,” he said.

He said the staff do a selfless and thankless job and “treat it much more than a job.”

Velis, a major in the Army Reserve, said this is not the first time he was aware of issues at the Home. He said several years ago members of the nursing staff came to him and several other elected officials with their concerns about staffing levels. At the time he said he and other legislators met with the administration.

He described the issue as a “dispute between the administration and the union.” He added he had not heard of any issues since then.

As far as the situation at the Home figures into his current race for the state senate seat left vacant when Donald Humason, Jr. became mayor of Westfield, Velis said, “Politics is so far from my mind.”

He added, “How it affects the campaign I’m not there yet. We’ve got to right the ship.”

The district Consists of the cities of Chicopee, ward 7, precincts A and B, ward 8, precinct A, ward 9, precinct A, Holyoke and Westfield and the towns of Agawam, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick and Tolland, in the county of Hampden; and the towns of Easthampton and Southampton in the county of Hampshire.

Running against Velis is Southwick veteran a small business owner John Cain. Reminder Publishing asked Cain what actions he would take to address issues at the Soliders Home if he were elected during the special election on May 19.

Cain replied, “As State Senator it would be my priority to ensure that the current needs of the Holyoke Soldiers Home are being met. Meeting with the acting superintendent and going over the most immediate problems that must be resolved and then looking into the budget and requirements that are needed to safely provide exceptional care to our veterans in need. In addition, the current staff would be a wealth of knowledge in regards to the day-to-day operations. As senator I would ask staff members to come to me and have a candid conversation about their experience before and during the pandemic. I would use my position to present the gathered responses while giving anonymity to the staff members.

“The Holyoke Soldiers Home provides a much needed service to our veterans here in Western Massachusetts. It is important that legislators understand the needs of veterans and their families as well as the importance of having this facility close to home. As a lifetime resident of the district I am familiar with the oversight of many facilities and programs in Western Massachusetts. I would be advocating for the veterans in need while conducting an investigation in cooperation with those investigations ongoing.”

Cain said he would “conduct a study to determine adequate staffing and put in place staffing requirements; audit all standard operating procedures and employee training for thoroughness and effectiveness; determine at what point did the staffing issue arise and become problematic.”

He added the study would include “a staffing survey to accurately the required staff and resources required to safely and efficiently operate the facility. Comparison of current budget requests and requirements to determine best course of action to ensure preparedness in future crisis as well as improving daily care. It is important to make and objective observation of the events leading up to and following this particular crisis and use this event as a means to improving the quality of the overall facility and management.”

Cain noted, “The director of a government run medical facility should have prior medical experience and in the case of a Soldiers Home, prior military experience. Veterans of the Soldiers Home are better served when they feel comfortable – for many of these patients that is in a structured military style environment. As a former military officer I know that it takes first hand experience to understand the culture of our veterans. The culture, budget and overall operations of the facility are the responsibility of the director. This unique role requires prior healthcare and business experience as well as military service. While politically appointed, there must be an objective vetting process that considers all aspects of directing the operations of such a facility. A delicate balance of structure and discipline, along with a leader who is experienced and passionate about serving vets will ensure the future of our Holyoke Soldiers Home for veterans of past, current, and future conflict.”