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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial> Dear Governor
Snyder, Mr. Zimmer, Commissioners, and Fellow List
Members:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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: </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#2. Program staff frequently fail to appear at
legal hearings when subpoenaed. In one recent case alone, six court
ordered subpoenas were ignored. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#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 inco</FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial>me
for operators. One of the most blatant examples of this is at the State
Capitol.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#4. Management seriously violates promulgated rules
</FONT>as set forth in Public Act 260. The latest case in point is the
State Plate fiasco.</DIV></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#5. BEP management often takes the side of the
building manager when a complaint comes to their attention without even
consulting with the operator.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#6. <FONT size=2 face=Arial>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.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>.</FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial>#7. Of great
concern is the fact that </FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Respectfully submitted,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Mary Ann Robinson</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>