[nfbmi-talk] Fw: MCB/MRS

[joe harcz Comcast]

This requires a legislative change. In other words PA 260 would have to be 
repealed. What in the world is this Chair talking about here?

sincerely,

Joe Harcz
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Larry Posont" <president.nfb.mi at gmail.com>
To: "nfbmi List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 6:18 AM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: MCB/MRS


>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jo Ann Pilarski" <pilarskij at charter.net>
> To: "JOHN SCOTT" <jcscot at sbcglobal.net>; "Joe Sibley" 
> <joe.sibley at comcast.net>; "Larry Posont" <president.nfb.mi. at gmail.com>;
> <laschuck at juno.com>
> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2011 2:59 PM
> Subject: MCB/MRS
>
>
> Hello Commissioners and Joe,
> First, I am including Joe as MCBVI President, and
> I would include Larry if he were not already
> serving as a commisisoner.
>
> About the MCB/MRS Project:
>
> My observations about a suggested projection date
> of October 1:
>
>
> I think it makes sense that a suggestion I heard
> today of October 1 being a date for merging
> decision  makes sense, in alignment with fiscal
> budgets.  Know that I DO NOT AGREE with the idea
> of merging, but I can see where the Department
> might be looking at an Oct. 1 date in line with
> fiscal issues.
>
> I do not believe that MRS Board just sat down one
> day and decided to see if they could force us into
> their agency.
>
> Mr Arwood is working hard to learn our agency and
> is a hands-on type manager, and is the person who
> is making decisions in several areas.
>
>
> - all department meetings, I am told, are being
> videotaped, with our meeting being the first
>
> I am going to suggest that our Agency may be being
> looked at in an unfavorable light for several
> reasons:
>
> - the litigations you know about, the
>   500,000 one not being MCB's fault
>    in any way, shape or form, in my
>    opinion. LARA forced that settlement, which
> now sets a
> precedent for our blind operators
> being seen as "employees" of MCB. Not a good
> precedent to set.  Pat did not agree with that,
> but it was out of his hands.  At least LARA paid
> 60 per cent of that amount.
>
> - recent firings and arbitrations with
> personnel and the additional costs that will
> occur.
>
> - all of the BEP issues and cases.
>
> - tons of negative publicity with people
> protesting, which is our right, about Pat and the
> Agency, but it is still drawing plenty of
> attention.
>
> - people going way beyond public comment by
> yelling out all kinds of
> negative comments during our Board meetings, and
> people are watching us.
>
>
> - my not controlling the public during
> meetings.  I will say here that I feel that the
> more I say the worse it will get, which Lydia
> affirmed in our meting.  I will also say that
> always looming in my mind is that if someone is
> forced to leave, there will be another  big show,
> which will bring negative attention to our
> Commission, when I believe we are being watched.
> I know in my heart that I am about consumers, and
> at the same time I think that we in the blind
> community need to agree on ways of communication
> that will show us in the best light possible. I
> hope that each consumer organization will please
> speak to membership about the fact that folks can
> speak during public comment, but should allow the
> board and speakers to carry out  responsibilities
> without interjecting.  During the time when
> presenters are speaking and we are conducting our
> meeting, the public is there to observe, and that
> is a part of OMA.
>
> - i think we are already being held in disfavor
> with the AG's office, which is why I didn't really
> want to go there right now.  If they won't even
> come to our meetings, I think they are fed up with
> us. That is definitely not good, and we do have an
> issue, but I don't think  right at this  moment is
> the time to go there if we are already under
> scrutiny.
>
>
> - as board members, as our by-laws suggest, we
> need to make our points with civility and respect.
> I am speaking to myself here, as I get totally
> frustrated with some of the BEP issues, and  the
> crowd constantly interjecting,
>
>
> I guess we have to ask ourselves whether the
> Agency is important to us.  I realize there is
> room for improvement, for sure, but I also know
> that up here where I live, all around the UP and
> northern Michigan, I have talked with many people
> who have
> a) either not known there was a commission  and/or
> b) have been served well by
> MCB.  That  positive experience includes mine.
>
> These are my own observations, and I hope that I
> have not offended anyone, as that has not been my
> intent.
>
> BTW,  I left a message for Craig McManus and am
> waiting for him to return my call, regarding State
> Plans.
>
> I have also asked Sue to dig up that memo from the
> AG's ofice regarding PA 260.  I don't remember it,
> nor does Geri or Michael, but sue probably has it.
>
> Finally, I didn't report at our meeting that I've
> been in on many EOC meetings, but know that the
> content will arrive at the Board anyway.
>
> I did attend the Planning and quality Meeting last
> week.  Action Plan items  and progress on them are
> always discussed.  People can always add in items
> to that list, so suggest Consumers use that
> vehicle as well.  Each group has representatives.
>
> One question and item I wanted improved was the
> item which states that we want to know how to best
> integrate consumers into our discussions and
> processes.  I heard a large list of opportunities,
> but explained that what I was seeking with that
> item was not how we feel we are doing, but how
> consumers feel about what we are doing.  I will be
> made a part of a group which will discuss ways to
> implement surveys or other vehicles by which we
> can ascertain that information.
>
> Siincerely,
>
> Jo Ann
>
> P.S.    You should have the notice of our meeting
> today.  If Pat, James, Sheila and Greg can work
> out a resolution to the Stelmach situation
> quickly, I am asking that the agenda be amended to
> include that issue as well.  I am reallypushing
> for resolution to that matter.
> I
>
>
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