[nfbmi-talk] MCBVI Convention and Mike Zimmer

[Fred Wurtzel]

Hello,

 

Following is a brief summary of Mike Zimmer's presentation to the MCBVI
state convention.  There may be other topics not included below.  This is a
quick overview. Not necessarily in order of presentation.  Joe will post a
recording for complete coverage.

 

Joe Sontag and I went to the MCBVI convention to hear Mike Zimmer speak.  No
real surprises.  He mentioned the publication of the list of applicants.  He
said it may have created problems for some applicants who didn't wantt their
bosses to see their names on the list.  I guess I didn't know that many
bosses read our list.

 

Judging by his comments, it appeared that Mr. Zimmer has 2 major goals.  The
reorganization of the agency management and the reorganization and reform of
the BEP.  He commented that it is possible that a new director will be named
this week.  It seems that he believes these reform efforts will take some
time.

 

There was a loud call from MCBVI for Mike Zimmer to go through 2 weeks of
sleepshade training.  He did not say no, but he was himming and hawing some.

 

His 2 strongest statements were about the BEP and the organization of BSBP.
He clearly indicated that there needs to be a shakeup in BEP.  He expects a
reorganization of the agency to put more emphasis on serving youth and
seniors.  In response to a question he clarified that emphasis on these 2
groups would not negatively affect other services.

 

He explained how the cutback by unemployment had caused layoffs in Michigan
Rehab Services.  He also talked about how those layed off employees have the
right to bump into other jobs and that this can affect lots of agencies.
The same problem exists in the hearings office since they hear unemployment
cases and therefore they also lost funding for judges.  

 

Speaking of the hearings office mr. zimmer acknowledged that judge rotation
is a concern of BEP operators and he feels that he has dealt with that.  He
unconvincingly tried to dismiss the problem of conflict of interest by
managing the hearings office and also having his boss make final agency
decisions.

 

His explanation of the law regarding government reorganization as it relates
to P.A. 260 also seemed ambiguous.  He discussed the fact that the governor
only has the right to reorganize management structures but not statutes.  It
is unclear to this writer how that fits with abolishing the Commission Board
and its statutory responsibilities.  Since P.A. 260 clearly refers to the
open meetings act, it would appear that all policy level meetings of the
agency will be open.  

 

In answer to a question from the Consumer Involvement Chairperson about
whether the CIC will continue, he said he did not know.

 

All in all, Mr. Zimmer comported himself very well.  He was relaxed and gave
straight answers to most questionsHe did not try to dodge or defer questions
to others as is the custome of the present MCB director.    I encourage
readers to take time to listen to the recording that Joe has posted.