LITTLE ROCK — When the federal government makes decisions that will directly affect a community, it should consult with local residents and stakeholders first.

That’s the right thing to do, and it’s best for everyone involved.

A prime example is the relocation of the drop-in day treatment center for veterans from its current location to Main Street in Little Rock. It is unacceptable that the Veterans Administration made this decision without community input.

As an Iraq War veteran and current officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, I have seen firsthand the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. I believe our country must keep its promises to its veterans—past and present—and care for those who have sacrificed so much. Veterans deserve our best; we can all agree on that.

My primary objection to the VA’s decision stems from its failure to seek input from the community. The VA’s go-it-alone approach in this case doesn’t serve it well, and it doesn’t serve our veterans.

I toured the current center and agree, without hesitation, that it must be relocated. The current space is overcrowded and unacceptable: Veterans must be fed in shifts, have no privacy during consultations with staff, and are forced to line up outside while waiting for attention. There aren’t even separate shower facilities for men and women. Our veterans deserve better.

I attended a community forum on January 12 to hear from constituents and the VA on this issue. As I indicated that night, the discussion was instructive and helpful. Whether VA officials agree with the objections raised—like the proposed location’s proximity to a liquor store—why weren’t they listening earlier? I kept asking myself: Why was the VA having a conversation with local stakeholders after the contract was signed and the deal was done? I still haven’t heard a good answer.

Let’s review the facts: It was widely known that the VA wanted a new location for the center. As VA officials are quick to point out, they advertised in the newspaper for a new site. That’s true, but it simply confirmed the fact that the VA was looking for a location and didn’t mention a specific one. Now, the VA has created an unnecessary controversy by awarding a contract in November, and then waiting two months to tell the community affected.

How does keeping the community in the dark and causing confusion help our veterans? It doesn’t.

VA officials have told me that federal regulations prohibited them from sharing any information regarding the specific Main Street location after the solicitation for offer was issued. If that’s true, the system is counterproductive and needs to be changed. I’m afraid the VA kept its relocation process quiet so that any objections would be too late.

I’ve made these points to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and requested that he suspend the relocation of the center until the VA fully considers the concerns and suggestions of residents and city officials. Every day new details emerge, and, while we don’t yet have all the facts, we are reviewing the VA’s decision-making process and will ensure that it followed proper protocol in determining a new site.

Even if it did, this is a prime example of the federal government doing what it wants regardless of the consequences simply because it can.

Some have suggested cutting off the VA’s funding in retaliation for its heavy-handed decision-making. I disagree. Veterans should not be punished for the VA’s short-sightedness.

The facts are: 1. Funding for major veterans health-care facilities has been approved for the coming fiscal year, and 2. The relocation of the center did not require congressional approval because the annual rent totals less than $1 million.

I prefer a more reasonable—and effective—approach. I’m proud to announce that my colleague, the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), will be traveling to Little Rock next week at my request to speak with VA officials and local stakeholders about the center.

Veterans pay a high price for serving this country, and we have an obligation to make sure they receive the quality care they have earned. I’m convinced we can resolve the relocation of the center in a way that works to the benefit of veterans, not to their disadvantage.

I will keep working to ensure that the VA treats the community as a partner, not an obstacle.

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U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin represents Arkansas’ 2nd District.

Editorial, Pages 19 on 02/15/2012