HOLYOKE (WWLP) – There’s a lot of uncertainty about who will run the Holyoke Soldiers Home after three abrupt departures from the facility’s leadership team.
Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Paul Barabani turned in his letter of resignation Tuesday. He said he plans to retire in January.
The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home cares for more than 2,000 veterans each year.
The Deputy Superintendent and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees will also resign,. The three wouldn’t explain exactly why they’re leaving all at once.
Sources close to the shake-up told media partner 22News that there has been a conflict between Barabani and the Baker administration over hiring new employees and state funding.
Westfield State Representative John Velis said funding for veterans’ services is not equitable across the state.
“There’s no difference between Holyoke veterans, western Mass. veterans, versus eastern Mass. veterans,” he said. “There’s more veterans here. We should get as much funding, if not more than Chelsea.”
