Seekonk Selectmen Reappoint Vets Agent Seth Bai Amid Avid Fanfare

Seekonk selectmen voted 3-0 Wednesday to reappoint Veterans Agent Seth Bai, who has been in the position since 2009.

The reappointment was under some scrutiny, as Bai and Town Administrator Pam Nolan have had some problems in the past. This was an issue because the town administrator, according to Seekonk town bylaws, has to recommend the veteran agent.

Nolan said she and Bai's problems did not involve his service to Seekonk veterans. At least 20 Seekonk veterans showed up to voice their support for Bai, and Nolan said her concerns were mediate by their support.

"I just needed to hear it from them," she said.

During Bai's tenure as Seekonk Veterans Agent saw an increase of veterans served from eight to 26. Many of them came out to the meeting to voice their support for Bai.

"All of you at some have had to deal with the bureaucracy of government," Capt. Joe Walsh said. "A few months ago, I had an issue with the VA. I got denied a claim and with Seth's help we made an appeal. He showed me how to go through the litany of regulations and rules."

"You don't know how lucky you are to have him," said Navy veteran Doug Brown.

"I've lived in this town probably over 72 years," Gerad Dano said. "Seth is the best assistant to the veterans that I have ever seen."

Bai was appointed for a three-year term, after three years of confusion in which selectmen thought state regulations required them to appoint a veterans agent for a one-year term. The regulation actually allowed towns to set their own terms and required only cities to have one-year terms.