[nfbmi-talk] FLAGRANT INJUSTICE IN THE Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program!

[Mary Ann Robinson]

        Dear Governor Snyder, Mr. Zimmer, Commissioners,     and Fellow List Members:

I believe that there is a time and a place for righteous anger and indignation; and I am experiencing these feelings for the following reasons:  
#1. Since Fred Wurtzel left as manager of the Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program  (BEP), several years ago, there have been about thirty grievances/lawsuits.  Several hundred thousand dollars and by now perhaps close to a million dollars have been spent in legal settlements or to seek assistance in addressing legal issues resulting from inappropriate or incompetent BEP management decisions made by Constance Zanger and/or James Hall.
#2. Program staff frequently fail to appear at legal hearings when subpoenaed.  In one recent case alone, six court ordered subpoenas were ignored. 
#3. Management has not had the fortitude to support and defend operators when illegal caterings have taken place in state buildings resulting in thousands of dollars in lost income for operators.  One of the most blatant examples of this is at the State Capitol.
#4. Management seriously violates promulgated rules as set forth in Public Act 260.  The latest case in point is the State Plate fiasco.
#5. BEP management often takes the side of the building manager when a complaint comes to their attention without even consulting with the operator.
#6. BEP management often uses intimidation when dealing with operators - many of whom have lost trust and respect for management and/or are afraid to speak up out of fear of retribution and/or retaliation.
.#7. Of great concern is the fact that BEP management exhibits prejudice and discriminates against National Federation of the Blind members.  In October of 2011, an announcement about the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan's state convention was deliberately not placed on an information line than announces items and resources of interest to operators.  Members of the Federation have also been targeted unjustifiably.  Competent, knowledgeable, qualified, honest, committed, dedicated, respected, and trusted  BEP employees have lost their jobs unfairly due to these behaviors

It is incomprehensible to me that nothing has been done or is being done by those who have the means to do so to put an end to these abhorrent and unacceptable behaviors and practices.Further, I don't understand why those responsible have not been held accountable and disciplined.  What will it take for these abominable activities to stop?  How much more needless suffering must operators' endure?  How many more of tax payers dollars must be squandered?  How many more blind people must go without services because money is being spent on legal fees that can be avoided?  When will those who have been grievously wronged receive the justice they deserve?

The Michigan Business Enterprise Program was once top rated and among the most respected in the country.  Today, it is viewed as one of the more problematic programs.  Allowing the above mentioned behaviors and practices to continue will ultimately result in the destruction of the Business Enterprise Program in Michigan as well as in the loss of numerous jobs for blind people.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ann Robinson