Norman Disabled Veteran Fights Eviction for Third Time

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- A disabled veteran in Norman is fighting eviction for the third time.

A judge sided with Mike Simmons Tuesday allowing him to remain at the Norman Veterans Center for the next 30 days. But officials at the center want him out.

The Veterans Center has sent Simmons three letters in the past nine months. The most recent letter stated Simmons' "demand for constant attention from the nursing staff with a total disregard for the care requirements and needs of other residents."

The letter also stated he wouldn't comply with the directions given by the medical staff. Therefore, "this refusal restricts us in providing you care and results in our inability to meet your medical needs."

"The letter says that I'm supposed to be out by Wednesday the 29th of July, which is preposterous. I can no more get everything taken care of than the man in the moon," Simmons said.

Despite the 30-day injunction, the center still wants to send Simmons to a facility in Talihina.

Billy Coyle, who represents Simmons, said the center refused his repeated request to discuss Simmons' case. Coyle said he wants the injunction made permanent.

"We intend to let Mike Simmons stay in his home, which he enjoys. He enjoys Norman, he enjoys his friends at the Norman Veterans Center and he should stay there," Coyle said.

Simmons also has the support of Representative Wallace Collins who said the center is retaliating for Simmons' past public complaints.

"If they're able to evict Mike and others then that sends a signal to anybody that might be a whistle blower, that you better keep your mouth shut or you'll be out on the street," Collins said.

Representative Collins said the center is understaffed and underpaid, and he fought unsuccessfully in the legislature to change that.

A judge has not set a date for Simmons' hearing.

The Norman Veteran Center was not available for comment.