[nfbmi-talk] Fw: Conflict of Interest Complaint

[joe harcz Comcast]

    After all these years how does one explain these total conflicts of interests in spite of the "double speak" of Director Rodgers here or of the self serving and totally discredicated Michael Zimmer.

Of course, the perpetrators won't think or assert that they are violators of civil rights or conflicts of interests. I mean didn't Watergate tell us all that the preps always claim innocent.

Now here in written format and in other correspondences even in the public record let alone what was not remitted but "between the lines", only not so be-tween the lines...

Well there is enough to throw lots of folks in to jail, and I'm not kidding.

Oh and if you sick sorts like the likes of Zimmer and Rodgers wishes to sue me for slander or defamation in these regards then let the B.S. fly for I'll counter sue you and back to the "stone age" from whence you all came.

And I'll remind you all that in spite of the fact that you sick, legal perverts exploit the judicial system, including holding purse on the A.G's office the ultimate defense against lible and defamation and so forth is the TRUTH!!! Sickos!!!

It's a Constitutional defense and you aren't defenseble in the least let alone constitutionally.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Rodgers, Edward (LARA) 
To: joe harcz Comcast (joeharcz at comcast.net) 
Cc: Luzenski, Sue (LARA) 
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2013 2:31 PM
Subject: Conflict of Interest Complaint


Good afternoon Mr. Harcz,

 

Mr. Michael Zimmer, Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has asked me as the Director of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) to respond to your recent conflict of interest complaint concerning BSBP employee Ms. Gwen McNeal. 

 

I have investigated your allegations concerning Ms. Gwen McNeal.  During my investigation I discovered that these are not new allegations.  

 

Our investigation of the conflict of interest allegation reveals that Gwen McNeal explained her voluntary service on the New Horizon Board in January, 2012.  On February 1, 2012 Pat Cannon, Director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) requested that Janet McClelland, Executive Secretary of the State Board of Ethics present his letter as a request for an Advisory Opinion of the Board.  

 

Briefly the background is Ms.  McNeal was first appointed to the New Horizons Board in 2010 for a 1 year term.  She was reappointed in 2011 for a 2 year term with approval of her Supervisor.  Ms. McNeal is strictly a volunteer, receiving no compensation, and meets with the Board on her own time and does not directly supervise the 2 counselors who may interact with New Horizons.  

 

Ms. Marie Lisle, Personnel Director of LARA became involved in this matter and eventually on July 9, 2012 Ms. McNeal signed a statement which was given to Marie Lisle.  The statement stated in pertinent part and was drafted by the Department.

 

"You must recuse yourself from all votes on anything coming before the board related to financial interactions, contractual arrangements or programmatic services with the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) or the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, which will be created October 1, 2012."

 

It is my understanding that the Board of Ethics found no conflict of interest in this situation. After reviewing this situation I don't believe this is a conflict of interest.  We have always encouraged our employees to be involved in any activity which is not in conflict with our official duties which does serve the blind community.  We've always had employees who were involved with NFB, the American Council and other worthwhile community groups.  

 

 

Edward F. Rodgers II

Director

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons