[nfbmi-talk] Answers to Questions asked of Pat Cannon at our 2010 State Convention.

[Elizabeth]

Hmm, I don’t know if I can say much about the substance of his answers, but at least he finally took the time to answer our questions.
 
Elizabeth
 
> From: president.nfb.mi at gmail.com
> To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 22:12:08 -0500
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Answers to Questions asked of Pat Cannon at our 2010 State Convention.
> 
> Dear Fellow Federationists:
> 
> Today, I received the answers to the questions we asked Pat Cannon at our State Convention. His answers are below. I have not 
> read them yet, but I thought all of you would like to see them.
> 
> 
> 
> sincerely
> 
> 
> 
> Larry J. Posont, President
> 
> National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
> 
> 517-482-1800
> 
> Email: president.nfb.mi at gmail.com
> 
> Web page
> 
> www.nfbmi.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 0
> 
> 
> 
> We think this would be a good beginning statement before true questions even begin.
> 
> 
> 
> You are on this stage as a guest of the national Federation of the Blind of Michigan. You must recognize that in our view you have 
> maliciously attacked this organization and our members by firing them, besmirching their reputations and reducing their future 
> earnings as retirees in the Business Enterprise program in an attempt to thwart and reduce our ability to advocate on behalf of 
> blind people. You have used your political influence and inside knowledge to load the Commission Board with your picks. You have 
> failed to inform us of reductions in Newsline funding thus putting the NFBMI in a supplicant role to vainly attempt to neuter us and 
> prevent us from our rightful role as advocate and watchdog. Do you promise to fully and honestly answer our questions for the 
> record?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> Question 1
> 
> 
> 
> During the March Commission board meeting, it was said that the Michigan Commission for the Blind would hire a nonbiased moderator 
> to help facilitate the ongoing discussion regarding the college policy. However, it seems clear that the person who was hired to 
> facilitate the June college policy meeting was bias towards the agency, against consumers, and did not possess a positive belief 
> about blindness in general. Can you explain why your agency decided to hire a facilitator who had personal connections with a member 
> of the Commission Board rather than hire someone who was completely neutral to these issues?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> The facilitator we utilized was referred to the Commission by John Victory, the individual with whom we have worked for many years 
> on our Vision 2020 initiative. While I recall that the facilitator had a conversation with one of our commissioners prior to 
> beginning her work with us I do not believe that they knew each other prior to the college policy review team. If there was a 
> previous relationship I am unaware of it.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 2
> 
> 
> 
> This week there were 13 facilities on the BEP bid line. To our knowledge at least 2 blind people, one with a bachelor's degree in 
> foodservice requested work. They were refused. Meanwhile, the MCB is presumably hiring sighted people who regularly do not pay 
> their fees to work. Another operator with significantly below the minimum income for a highway vending operation has repeatedly 
> been denied merging of her facility with other surplus facilities.
> 
> 
> 
> · Can you explain how you can justify denying jobs to blind people in a program designed to employ them?
> 
> 
> 
> · Can you provide any reasonable justification for withholding income from other blind persons when there are not enough 
> blind people trained to fill positions available.
> 
> 
> 
> · How can you explain the lack of planning that has led to this crisis.
> 
> 
> 
> · Can you plausibly deny that you may have had an inkling that there would be an early retirement incentive program?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> I first became aware of the possibility of the early retirement initiative in January 2010 when the Governor announced her 
> intentions at a news conference in Lansing. Her proposal, of course, could not be implemented until the legislator took action on 
> it and several months had passed and the legislation went through several iterations until it was finally enacted several weeks ago.
> 
> 
> 
> Some of our more experienced operators will be availing themselves of the early retirement available to state employees and this 
> will leave vacancies within the BEP. Staff has been working for some time to develop plans to address these vacancies. Some of 
> these steps are as follows:
> 
> 
> 
> -all applicants wishing to be considered as temporary operators must complete a full application and pass a state police background 
> check;
> 
> 
> 
> -BEP staff has been contacting VR staff to pursue interested clients and requesting that they complete this application;
> 
> 
> 
> -BEP staff has been communicating via the bid line requesting that operators seek out potential temporary operators, including 
> family members and retirees;
> 
> 
> 
> -BEP Staff and the EOC have been working to develop alternative training programs that would assist in placing blind individuals in 
> facilities while gaining training to enter into the program.
> 
> 
> 
> The BEP endeavors to place only those individuals that have food service experience into facilities in an effort to maximize service 
> and is especially interested in placing those individuals who have a vested interest in our program, individuals who are blind, 
> retired operators, or thus who are related to licensees. With this said, though, the BEP cannot place individuals who have 
> unresolved issues that we have been made aware of prior to their placement and we work to replace those persons who have prior or 
> current issues at their facilities as soon as possible. Unfortunately, past pools of temporary operators have prevented that in an 
> expedited fashion.
> 
> 
> 
> The BEP is aware of the struggles that temporary operators have had in its facilities in the past and is working on new methods to 
> resolve or prevent issues in this current climate. One of the steps that are being taken is that Promotional Agents will be 
> directed to make no less than one phone contact each week with temporary operators and no less then one in person visit every two 
> weeks to facilities that are being run by temporary operators. It is in this way that we hope to provide ongoing support and 
> supervision to those locations. Additionally, the EOC has begun discussions about licensees in other facilities working as mentors 
> for temporary operators in order to provide continuous support. While this plan is in the early stages, BEP staff always encourages 
> active participation from its licensees.
> 
> 
> 
> In regards to training the BEP has at least 4 current potential operators and 9 students who will be completing their training in 
> early February. As not all of the retirements within BEP will be taking place until the end of December, this only requires 
> temporary operators to operate many facilities for less than two months. Additionally, the BEP is planning to conduct another 
> training class in the spring and will continue to work with the EOC on alternative training methods as previously mentioned.
> 
> 
> 
> Further, Larry, you should be aware that the BEP is ensuring that each retiree not be required to stay even one day past their 
> intended retirement date. Licensees who have been awarded facilities being vacated by Retirees are being transitioned directly 
> into these locations as it is not fair to require people to work past the date that they intend to and, as such, the placement of 
> temporary operators is even more difficult because we are not sure what facilities will be vacant at what time. Regardless, the BEP 
> staff and EOC are committed to the continuous operation of its facilities and will work to ensure that these locations be preserved.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 3 and 3.5
> 
> 
> 
> It has been reported widely that you told Andy Levin that you did not fire Christine Boone because of the marksmanship class. So if 
> you did not fire her for the marksmanship class than what did you fire her for?
> 
> 
> 
> Question 3.5
> 
> Well Pat, if you can't discuss Christine or her case at this time, how is it that you have been able to talk about her, the 
> marksmanship class and related issues, with people like Andy Levin and Sherri Heibeck?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> As stated at the NFB Convention in October I am unable to address personnel matters which are in various stages of appeal.
> Question 4
> 
> 
> 
> What is your classification under civil service? If it is an LTA, which is limited term appointment, when was it completed and who 
> approved it?
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> Question 5
> 
> 
> 
> Blind students across the state encounter a wide variety of problems getting a quality education. Some districts do a good job 
> while others fail their blind pupils. We are aware of testing issues in 2 districts, currently. Through our encounters with blind 
> students from across the state we are aware that few of them are reasonably fluent in Braille and are not reading at grade level.
> 
> 
> 
> Public Act 260 states in part:
> 
> 393.356 Employment and duties of educational consultants; informing commission of schools with visually handicapped students; 
> liaison and program coordination.
> 
> Sec. 6.(1) The commission may employ qualified educational consultants to assist public or private school teachers responsible for 
> teaching visually handicapped students.
> 
> Educational consultants shall assist public and private school teachers by providing methods and materials for teaching visually 
> handicapped students. The superintendent of public instruction shall inform the commission of the schools in which visually
> 
> handicapped students are enrolled.
> 
> (2) The director or a person designated by the director shall be the liaison between the commission, the schools for the blind, and 
> the superintendent of public instruction, and shall coordinate all programs affecting blind students.
> 
> 
> 
> I draw your attention to part 2 of this section. It says that you or your designee SHALL coordinate all programs for blind students 
> in Michigan. To our knowledge you play no such role, why not. Are you violating the law by not complying? Do you plan to begin to 
> follow the law? What is your plan to do so? Are you receiving a list of all schools where blind students attend? Does someone 
> from MCB meet these students and parents to help prepare them for the future? If the list is not provided, how do you intend to 
> gain access to it? What steps have you taken to get such a list?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> Question 6
> 
> 
> 
> The state accounting system, once known as MAIN (Michigan Administrative Information Network) has never been fully accessible to 
> blind state employees, some of whom need to use it in their job duties. There have been successful ADA lawsuits in other states on 
> this very topic, thus putting Michigan at risk for a similar suit. You have been the state ADA Coordinator for most of the Granholm 
> Administration. Many blind employees in MCB and throughout state government are prevented by this lack of accessibility from 
> competing on a level playing field with their sighted colleagues. What have you done to correct this violation of sections 504 and 
> 508 of the Rehabilitation Act which you are directly responsible for, and the ADA, not to mention Michigan Public Act 220? Why 
> haven't you done more to resolve this issue? Is there any plan in motion to fix MAIN? What have you, personally done to fix this 
> problem? Is this a failure of your leadership as ADA coordinator? Why haven't you made this a top priority as ADA coordinator?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> Question 7
> 
> 
> 
> The Randolph-Sheppard Act requires "active participation" of blind operators in the "major administrative decisions" of the agency. 
> The Michigan legislature has passed a law that requires that Blind operators in the Business Enterprise Program be considered state 
> employees for retirement purposes. You allowed blind operators retirement to be reduced by 10%. There were no hearings; there was 
> no request to the Elected Operator's Committee to consider this major change. The Commission Board did not consider this change. 
> Under what authority did you take future income from blind retired operators? Why did you not properly enforce the 
> Randolph-Sheppard Act by requiring a full discussion of this change which reduces the incomes of blind people for years, by the 
> Elected Operators Committee and the Commission Board?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> Question 8
> 
> 
> 
> You personally travelled to the General Office Building at the state Secondary Complex and removed a blind person from her job with 
> no due process. Your illegal actions were rightfully overturned by the Commission Board. Why did you, personally, violate the 
> Randolph-Sheppard Act? When this was pointed out to you, why didn't you reverse your mistake? Was it because the operator was the 
> President of the Merchant's Division of the NFB? Were you retaliating against her for her advocacy on behalf of blind vendors to 
> enforce the catering policies and exclusive rights to sell food and related products on state property? Is the fact that the 
> violator was in the bureau of retirement and you were actively seeking to illegally reduce blind vendor's retirements?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> Question 9
> 
> 
> 
> You used your influence in the Democratic Party and in the Governor's office to remove Mark Eagle from the Commission Board through 
> the inexcusable use of an ethics investigation. Why did you choose a means of removing a Commissioner, a very young person who is 
> actively working to pursue public office, which besmirches his reputation and which will follow him for the rest of his life? Was 
> it because he was advocating on behalf of students who wished to fully participate in the development of a quality college policy? 
> Was it retaliation against his father who was advocating for blind vendors, some of whom were members of the NFB? Why did you 
> testify to the Ethics Board that the major duty of the Commission Board is to review BEP complaints? Is this your view of the role 
> of the Commission Board?
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 10
> 
> 
> 
> In October of 2009 the Governor ordered that Newsline funding be cut. The legislature acted on her order in January, yet you never 
> notified the NFB or Newsline officials of this critical matter. It was not until Newsline submitted a bill for services that the 
> Commission notified Newsline of the funding cut. You sit on the Governor's council. You are the primary state executive for 
> administrating the payment of Newsline costs. Did you do this to try to control the NFB by now offering a portion of the funding 
> and trying to make us beholden to you? Is this why you have told consumers that this is your personal decision and that Commission 
> Board members all toe the line and defer the decision to you? Are you playing politics with your authority and position to thwart 
> the advocacy of this organization? Do you really think we can be bought off with money for Newsline?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> The substantive questions regarding Newsline were fully addressed at the 2010 NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 11
> 
> 
> 
> You have directly or indirectly caused all NFB members of your staff and leaders of the Business Enterprise Program to lose their 
> jobs. Why are you conducting an attack on this organization? Do you think our advocacy will be reduced by your bullying and 
> intimidation of our members? How can you justify your abuse of power by taking jobs and incomes away from good people who are 
> actively involved in working to improve conditions for blind people? What about your claims that MCB ought to be a consumer driven 
> agency when you are terrorizing blind people who speak up, whether on the Commission Board, The Business Enterprise Program or on 
> your staff?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> My relationship with NFB over the past many years was thoroughly addressed at the 2010 NFB Convention. And, as stated then, I 
> cannot respond to questions related to personnel matters in various stages of appeal.
> Question 12
> 
> 
> 
> As you know, the Rehabilitation Services Administration has conducted a review of the MCB. To date, the results of this review are 
> not available to the public. You have refused to release the preliminary results of this review to the public, under the FOIA or 
> ADA. Why are you hiding this information? Will you release the preliminary report? When? Is there embarrassing or damaging 
> information in the report which you don't want out before the election?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> Actually, I received the Final RSA Monitoring report on November 8 and it was immediately posted and broadly distributed. It 
> remains on our website for inspection by anyone at any time. Prior to RSA's release of the final report it was their guidance that 
> the previous draft report remains confidential and not available for distribution.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 13
> 
> 
> 
> Why does the MCB not fully comply with the Rehabilitation Act by holding hearings on the required Plan updates?
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> We do hold hearings on the State Plan as called for under RSA guidelines.
> 
> 
> 
> Question 14
> 
> 
> 
> Why did you send Commission reappointments in to the Governor so far in advance? Were you trying to get ahead of consumers who may 
> be interested in applying?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> As the MCB Director, it is not my role to initiate appointments or reappointments of Commissioners since these actions are taken by 
> the Governor's Appointment office. Since the Michigan Senate has rejected the reappointments by the Governor the Commission now has 
> only three Commissioners serving with two remaining vacancies. I have had no indication from the Governor's Appointment office as 
> to when these vacancies may be addressed.
> 
> 
> 
> Question 15
> 
> 
> 
> In sworn testimony a Commission counselor testified that she has had a total of 4 weeks of specific blindness training. The NFBM 
> approached the Commission Board to work to review and improve staff training. The Commission asked 2 consumers, 1 Commissioner and 
> 1 MCB staff member to form a task force to work on this. You defiantly set up your own committee heavily loaded with MCB staff in 
> an attempt to dampen and thwart consumer input. Why did you set up a parallel committee when you were aware the Commission Board 
> was already working on this issue? Was this another attempt to interfere with the Commissioner's rightful role in policy 
> development? Do you think that 4 weeks of blindness training is adequate for a Commission counselor? Are you willing to cooperate 
> and participate in the Commission Board's plan to work on staff training?
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> An internal committee to address succession planning, staff training and other staffing issues affected by early retirements was 
> established in early 2010. This planning effort was expanded to specifically address training on issues related to blindness and 
> will be continued at least through 2011 as called for in an objective adopted by Commissioners last December which states:
> 
> 
> 
> "Objective 5: Continue the work of the agency's committee to review and improve staff training, particularly training of new agency 
> staff. The committee also includes representation from the MCB Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), the Michigan Council of the 
> Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan. The committee's works includes a 
> focus on enhancing the understanding of blindness and issues facing blind persons, which is intended to assist staff in serving 
> clients most effectively. The progress on the committee's recommendations will be reported to Commissioners quarterly, with its 
> final report to Commissioners in December, 2011. "
> 
> 
> 
> Several recommendations from this Committee have already begun to be implemented and the Committee will be meeting next in late 
> March.
> Question 16
> 
> 
> 
> Many times when controversies erupt, you or someone in leadership raises the specter that if we can't get along the Commission may 
> be merged with MRS. Is this a way to impede advocacy. Are you actively working on a plan to merge the 2 agencies? Is the Governor 
> of the DELEG director working on such a merger? Would you see this as a punishment to the NFB for our questioning of management 
> practices at MCB?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> As most people know, I have steadfastly advocated for the continuation of specialized services for the blind through a separate 
> blind rehab agency. While MCB has an excellent working relationship with the general agency, Michigan Rehabilitation Services 
> (MRS), you will be pleased to know that both Jaye Porter, the MRS Director, and myself continue to oppose a merger or consolidation. 
> Having said that, though, we should all be aware that thoughts and conversations of possibly merging the blind agency with the 
> general agency occur frequently in states where a separate blind agency exists.
> 
> 
> 
> Question 17
> 
> 
> 
> Why is staff continually telling clients that there is insufficient money to provide all the services they request while at the same 
> time you maintain huge surpluses of money? Why haven't you spent available money to help blind people get training equipment and 
> jobs as the legislature and congress have provided? Why have MCB staff called the NFBMI for donations of equipment for seniors when 
> there is more than a million dollar surplus in the account to fund senior blind programs? Is this a way to intimidate and control 
> blind clients?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> While no agency is big enough or wealthy enough to provide all of the things for people that they may want or need, the Commission 
> does receive a considerable amount of Federal and State funds to provide rehabilitation services to our clients. Although these 
> resources are not unlimited, we do have a responsibility to utilize them prudently in the best interest of all of the clients we 
> strive to serve well. Each of our clients is to be served on an individualized case by case basis in an effort to provide the 
> unique services they need to address their specific goals and their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). While I hope that 
> none of our staff would ever say that "we are broke" it is possible that our attempt at prudence may at times be misunderstood or 
> misinterpreted.
> 
> 
> 
> We are not aware of a Commission staff person asking NFB to donate computers for our clients, although a member of MCBVI has been 
> working on a project to make refurbished computers available to blind individuals. We continue to make computers and other 
> technology available to our clients and in this past year have increasingly made technology available to older blind clients.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 18
> 
> 
> 
> When do you plan to retire from MCB?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> I have no plans to retire in then near future.
> Question 19
> 
> 
> 
> I commend the agency for finally seeking the input of consumers when working on updating the college policy. However, it seems as 
> though there was never an open honest dialog about the use of the new DELEG Financial Needs form. Can you explain why you and your 
> agency were not willing to have an open honest conversation with consumers about the use of this new form?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> The form itself was discussed along with the College Policy and was agreed upon at that same time.
> Question 20
> 
> 
> 
> During the college review process, I heard you as well as members of your staff say that there are several state agencies that use a 
> form similar to the new DELEG Financial Needs form. Can you name any specific state vocational rehabilitation agencies that use a 
> form similar to the new DELEG Financial Needs form?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> In addition to Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Michigan Commission for the Blind, other state agencies which utilize forms 
> related to financial needs, include Pennsylvania and Virginia.
> 
> 
> 
> Further, in speaking with Dr. Fred Schroeder on the subject he noted that New Mexico used such a form when he was there and said 
> that there are many other states which do so.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Question 21
> 
> 
> 
> Will you work with us to get an intern that would help at the library with Newsline, calling folks, teaching the system, etc. This 
> would give a blind person experience with a job and being supervised.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> You will be pleased to know that we have and are utilizing client interns at the Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) to assist 
> library patrons in better understanding BTBL services. As a long time supporter of Newsline, I will explore further with Sue 
> Chinault, our BTBL Manager, on ways in which we may further assist in promoting Newsline.
> Question 22
> 
> 
> 
> Will you put NFB Newsline on the Web site and activity List?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> We have had links on the MCB website for the National Federation of the Blind as well as the National Federation of the Blind of 
> Michigan for many years and are pleased to continue doing so. As a result of this question, we have now added a special link to our 
> website for NFB Newsline and the link can be found under Resources/Other Resources/NFB Newsline.
> 
> 
> 
> Since the NFB Newsline is not an activity, per se, but rather a service or program, it would not seem appropriate to be listed on 
> our "Activity List" although we have information on Newsline available to Commission clients in many other ways and are pleased to 
> do so.
> 
> 
> 
> Question 23
> 
> 
> 
> Will you work with us to get a toll free number for Newsline.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> It is my understanding that a Toll Free number to access Newsline already exists: 1-888-882-1629.
> Question 24
> 
> 
> 
> Will you encourage the board to be supportive of NFB Newsline and thus promote permanent funding.
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> I believe that Commissioner's are already supportive of Newsline and, as I stated at the NFB Convention last fall, I will continue 
> to work with NFB leaders to identify potential sources for ongoing Newsline funding.
> 
> 
> Question 25
> 
> 
> 
> Pat, how can you sleep at night, knowing that during the first 3 quarters of fiscal year 2010, MCB spent 130% of the budgeted amount 
> for administrative salaries and wages; and during the same time period, you spent just 2% of the available funds for services to the 
> older blind?
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> The data presented in this question is not accurate and a more comprehensive picture of Commission services and expenditures can be 
> found in our 2010 Annual Report which can be accessed on the MCB website.
> Question 26
> 
> 
> 
> The Commission for the Blind is supposed to be consumer driven. This important requirement is in some very important documents. How 
> do you see this being exemplified by the Commission today? How do you see the Commission being consumer driven in the future?
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> As called for in PA 260 at least three of our Commissioners must be legally blind and we have consistently met or exceeded that 
> standard. Beyond this legal requirement, MCB invites and encourages consumer participation in several ways, including the Consumer 
> Involvement Council, Service Delivery Design Team, Technology Committee, Diversity Committee, Image and Identity Team and the 
> Planning and Quality Team. Further, one of the products from the MCB Ad Hoc Committee working on blindness training for Commission 
> staff, calls for the leaders of both NFB and MCBVI make presentations to new staff about their respective organizations. And these 
> meetings will begin within the next few weeks.
> 
> 
> 
> Question 27
> 
> 
> 
> Why have you so incredibly failed at your duty to manage the Business Enterprise Program.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Can you blame your employees when you have personally participated in the purging of the program of NFB members? By the way, all of 
> the examples above happen to be NFB members. Can you plausibly disagree that you have attacked and continue to blatantly 
> discriminate against people for being members of the NFB? Any denials of these points will be lies on their face.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Pat's Response
> 
> 
> 
> This was among the many issues I addressed in my comments at the NFB Convention, October 30, 2010.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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