Acting in interest of veterans

Re “Building consensus,” editorial, April 6

The Department of Veterans Affairs is working diligently to prepare a master plan for our West Los Angeles campus. The No. 1 guiding priority remains the best interests of our veterans. I am reviewing three options for the campus; the next step will be to hold a third meeting of our local advisory panel.

Your editorial approves of legislation that would prohibit the VA from making long-term private leases until our master plan is completed. The VA has no such leases. However, we have made a number of short-term arrangements that raise $5 million annually for Los Angeles veterans. We are also considering making some vacant buildings available to support programs for the homeless; a state veterans home is being built on our campus. These arrangements benefit California and its veterans, and we will continue to negotiate them while the master plan is prepared.

MICHAEL KUSSMAN

Executive-in-Charge

Veterans Health

Administration

Falls Church, Va.