[nfbmi-talk] Secret Affiliate Board Action & Expenditure

Mon Dec 8 00:13:24 UTC 2014

Thanks Fred and Dave, and very well put.

There is a lot of passion in our affiliate and that often translates 
into a battle that's not necessary. For my part, I'm guilty of getting 
frustrated to the point that I just didn't want to deal with any of the 
agency issues. But I believe in the long-run, the best approach is a 
balanced approach where we work to create and support programs that 
benefit the blind of Michigan while at the same time work to solve some 
of the big challenges in our government. And there's no reason why we 
can't do both. Fred makes some great points on how we might rethink our 
legislative efforts. There's a lot of turnover in Lansing and lots of 
new people who don't know us. Perhaps we revisit the Public Utilities 
Commission on long-term Newsline funding. Yes it didn't work before but 
are the same people still in charge? I'm not entirely sure.

I look at Washington Seminar and the reality that hardly any bill we've 
ever taken up passes the first time. And that's with a lot of 
connections already made and a national office less than an hour away 
from DC.

Let's turn problems into solutions and make the lives of the blind 
better in Michigan.

Best regards,
J.J.

Thanks fred and
On 12/5/2014 9:06 AM, David Robinson via nfbmi-talk wrote:
> Terry,
>
>   It is true that the board did not discuss this matter at a board 
> meeting,
> either via conference call or in person, but it was brought to the board
> members attention by the president and discussed.  I am assuming that he
> recieved enough support to make such a decision.  The board has a
> responsibility to make these decision as part of their duties.
>   I would agree that many individuals at the leadership retreat 
> expressed a
> frustration regarding BSBP and it was a waste of time and resources to 
> fight
> the illegal coruption that exists at that agency, but I am not sure 
> that we
> reached an understanding to ignore all situations.  As a board member, my
> decision was based on the points in the case, the recommendations from 
> the
> attorney and the fact that we are finally moving into the courts.  I 
> don't
> know all the details of your case, but I was willing to support your 
> case as
> well, but it was my understanding that the case could not be persued for
> some reason and the attorney recommended that we or he would no longer 
> act
> on it.  I hope I am getting the correct information on this from those 
> who
> had discussion with the attorney.
>   Anyone who thinks we can ignore the actions of the BSBP is ignoring our
> purpose to exist.  I recognize that the frustration level on this 
> issue is
> high, but let's go back to basics. We are a civil rights organization, 
> and
> yes we do other things such as educate, train, enjoy outings and 
> parties and
> give imput at meetings and events, but the bottom line is that we work to
> achieve the equal civil rights for blind people.  Unfortunately, that
> involves dealing with the BSBP her in Michigan. It was that way when 
> we had
> the Commission and no one doubted our involvement, and now the name is
> changed, but the NFB purpose has not.
>
> Dave
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Terry D. Eagle via nfbmi-talk" 
> <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> To: "'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, December 05, 2014 12:27 AM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Secret Affiliate Board Action & Expenditure
>
>
>> Is there anyone among the elected officers and board members of the 
>> NFB of
>> Michigan willing to come forth and explain why the affiliate board is
>> engaged in secret action and expenditure of affiliate funds 
>> concerning one
>> individual?
>>
>>
>>
>> I ask this for the following reasons:
>>
>>
>>
>> 1. Precedent has recently been set that in similar circumstances the
>> board openly discussed such action involving an individual, namely me.
>>
>>
>>
>> 2. The affiliate put forth and discussed the merits of expenditure of
>> affiliate funds prior any expenditure.
>>
>>
>>
>> 3. It is my understanding that based on the November 2013 Baltimore
>> seminar, the Jackson February 2014 Board meeting discussions and action,
>> and
>> wxtensive discussion at the Septemmber seminar this Fall, that the
>> affiliate
>> had come to consensus that the affiliate would no longer focus resources
>> on
>> issues and complaints involving the BS4BP, rather expending efforts and
>> expenditure of valuable limited treasury to affiliate building through
>> chapter expansion in number of chapters and membership, leadership
>> development, and assessing and mmeeting the personal skills, talents, 
>> and
>> dreams of members.  Is this understanding and affiliate action accurate
>> and
>> correct?
>>
>>
>>
>> 4. If the above statement is accurate and correct, then why is the
>> affiliate board engaged in such secret action?
>>
>>
>>
>> Respectfully inquired.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbmi-talk mailing list
>> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nfbmi-talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/drob1946%40gmail.com 
>>
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfbmi-talk mailing list
> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> nfbmi-talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/jj%40bestmidi.com

Best regards,
J.J.

On 12/6/2014 12:29 AM, Fred Wurtzel via nfbmi-talk wrote:
> Hello Dave,
>
> Hear, hear.  We definitely need to work to improve rehab services.  Our
> public image must reflect our broad organizational purpose, beyond reforming
> state government.  We cannot ignore a state program which spends (or doesn't
> spend)   $25 million to provide services which supposedly lead to
> employment.  BS4BP reform  cannot be our identity, though.  Reform is very
> important, but, must be a part of a larger agenda and public image.  Most of
> all, we need to be united and trust those Federationists we elect, otherwise
> we should elect someone we do trust.  For my part, I have faith in our NFB
> state board.  I have no fear that they will ever do things contrary to
> Federation interests or philosophy.
>
> To achieve BS4BP reform we must come together to create an approach which is
> long-term, effective and affordable.  I believe our only hope is in the
> legislature.  Given the Republican dominance of Michigan government this
> will be difficult.  Let me be quick to say that if it were Democrat
> dominated the situation would be the same.  There are, presently, no checks
> and balances.  So we have the even-more-difficult job of creating a plan
> which we can get everyone to back and then be relentless in our presence in
> the halls of the legislature until we accomplish our goals.  There is little
> hope of protesting via email or other indirect means.  The way we win is
> with face-to-face meetings and building relationships.
>
> I was trying to make this point when I reposted the piece about Dale
> Carnagie.  It was meant in a constructive way to suggest a shift in our
> tactics, not to criticize anyone.  In my view, what we have been doing is
> not effective, since things seem as bad or worse than ever.
>
> Someone said that in war, eventually, it is necessary for opposing sides to
> talk.  We need to create dialog, even if it is by getting the legislature to
> hold oversight hearings or some other way of leveraging the branches of
> government in our favor.  This is a long term job requiring people in the
> halls of the legislature every week.  We must be alert to follow every
> possible lead which may or may not lead to progress.  This may include
> talking to BS4BP staff or administration or LARA Admin types.
>
> I am not so jaded to think there are no people who will help us.  Somewhere
> there is someone who can and will help.  We need to meet this person and
> then be willing to do the legwork to follow through on the things that must
> be done.  Some can be done via email or web posts, but, mostly, it will mean
> boots on the ground downtown Lansing or at offices in our home communities,
> at town hall meetings or coffee clatches on Saturday mornings where
> representatives and Senators come to meet constituents.
>
> I guess I am proposing a specific approach.  This is not the only possible
> solution.Whichever thing we do, we need to be united.  If we vote to do
> something, we must all be behind it and be willing to show up and
> participate.The historic success of the NFB is rooted in our ability to work
> together and stay on message.  There is no shame or weakness in standing
> together once we have made a group decision.  In fact, it is the only way a
> small organization like ours can be successful.  This is why we organize, so
> that we can have a stronger voice.
>
> Warmest Regards,
>
> Fred
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David
> Robinson via nfbmi-talk
> Sent: Friday, December 05, 2014 9:06 AM
> To: terrydeagle at yahoo.com; NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Secret Affiliate Board Action & Expenditure
>
> Terry,
>
>     It is true that the board did not discuss this matter at a board meeting,
> either via conference call or in person, but it was brought to the board
> members attention by the president and discussed.  I am assuming that he
> recieved enough support to make such a decision.  The board has a
> responsibility to make these decision as part of their duties.
>     I would agree that many individuals at the leadership retreat expressed a
> frustration regarding BSBP and it was a waste of time and resources to fight
> the illegal coruption that exists at that agency, but I am not sure that we
> reached an understanding to ignore all situations.  As a board member, my
> decision was based on the points in the case, the recommendations from the
> attorney and the fact that we are finally moving into the courts.  I don't
> know all the details of your case, but I was willing to support your case as
> well, but it was my understanding that the case could not be persued for
> some reason and the attorney recommended that we or he would no longer act
> on it.  I hope I am getting the correct information on this from those who
> had discussion with the attorney.
>     Anyone who thinks we can ignore the actions of the BSBP is ignoring our
> purpose to exist.  I recognize that the frustration level on this issue is
> high, but let's go back to basics. We are a civil rights organization, and
> yes we do other things such as educate, train, enjoy outings and parties and
> give imput at meetings and events, but the bottom line is that we work to
> achieve the equal civil rights for blind people.  Unfortunately, that
> involves dealing with the BSBP her in Michigan. It was that way when we had
> the Commission and no one doubted our involvement, and now the name is
> changed, but the NFB purpose has not.
>
> Dave
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Terry D. Eagle via nfbmi-talk" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> To: "'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, December 05, 2014 12:27 AM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Secret Affiliate Board Action & Expenditure
>
>
>> Is there anyone among the elected officers and board members of the NFB of
>> Michigan willing to come forth and explain why the affiliate board is
>> engaged in secret action and expenditure of affiliate funds concerning one
>> individual?
>>
>>
>>
>> I ask this for the following reasons:
>>
>>
>>
>> 1. Precedent has recently been set that in similar circumstances the
>> board openly discussed such action involving an individual, namely me.
>>
>>
>>
>> 2. The affiliate put forth and discussed the merits of expenditure of
>> affiliate funds prior any expenditure.
>>
>>
>>
>> 3. It is my understanding that based on the November 2013 Baltimore
>> seminar, the Jackson February 2014 Board meeting discussions and action,
>> and
>> wxtensive discussion at the Septemmber seminar this Fall, that the
>> affiliate
>> had come to consensus that the affiliate would no longer focus resources
>> on
>> issues and complaints involving the BS4BP, rather expending efforts and
>> expenditure of valuable limited treasury to affiliate building through
>> chapter expansion in number of chapters and membership, leadership
>> development, and assessing and mmeeting the personal skills, talents, and
>> dreams of members.  Is this understanding and affiliate action accurate
>> and
>> correct?
>>
>>
>>
>> 4. If the above statement is accurate and correct, then why is the
>> affiliate board engaged in such secret action?
>>
>>
>>
>> Respectfully inquired.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbmi-talk mailing list
>> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nfbmi-talk:
>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/drob1946%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfbmi-talk mailing list
> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfbmi-talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/f.wurtzel%40att.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfbmi-talk mailing list
> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nfbmi-talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/jj%40bestmidi.com