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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Mary Ann, you sure hit that nail directly on the
head! When Fred was there, we could count on at least fairness and
understanding. Why is a simple concept like that missing from the program
now? I could guess but, I whink I'll reframe! </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=brightsmile1953@comcast.net
href="mailto:brightsmile1953@comcast.net">Mary Ann Robinson</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=rick.snyder@michigan.gov
href="mailto:rick.snyder@michigan.gov">rick.snyder@michigan.gov</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Cc:</B> <A title=laschuck@juno.com
href="mailto:laschuck@juno.com">l schuck</A> ; <A title=nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org
href="mailto:nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org">NFB of Michigan List</A> ; <A
title=vendorsmi@nfbnet.org href="mailto:vendorsmi@nfbnet.org">vendorsmi</A> ;
<A title=zimmerm@michigan.gov
href="mailto:zimmerm@michigan.gov">zimmerm@michigan.gov</A> ; <A
title=jcscot@sbcglobal.net href="mailto:jcscot@sbcglobal.net">john scot</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Sunday, June 17, 2012 6:17 PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [Vendorsmi] FLAGRANT INJUSTICE
IN THE Michigan Commission for theBlind Business Enterprise Program!</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<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>
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