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Opinions December 4, 2008 |
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—Guest Opinion—
Inconvenient Truths Regarding Commissioners’ Role In MVMH Employee/Management Meltdown
By Gary Dielman
Upon reading that the Baker County Commissioners had thrown Ed Moses and me off the Mental Health Advisory Committee at its Wednesday, Nov. 26, meeting, a friend and Baker native who lives in Portland sent me this message: “Two of my favorite sayings I've shared with you before: ‘No good deed goes unpunished,’ and ‘Never, never, never tell the truth. It really p----s people off.’”
The truth that I and others disclosed to the community is that Baker County Commissioners had for years failed to provide adequate oversight of a million-dollar budget item they were, and still are, the stewards of, namely, the contract with Mountain Valley Mental Health (MVMH), the contractor that serves Baker County’s indigent mentally ill. I have been a relentless critic of the Commissioners ever since I discovered their abandonment of this crucial fiduciary duty.
Three years ago I learned that within a few months most of the best-qualified mental health counselors at MVMH had resigned or been fired. Something had gone terribly wrong and I decided to find out what. Following are some inconvenient truths I discovered about the Commissioners’ role in this meltdown between management and employees at MVMH.
I found out Commissioners were in violation of the Oregon statue requiring the county to appoint a mental health advisory committee. So I told the inconvenient truth to Commission Chair Fred Warner, Jr., that the advisory committee charged with advising Commissioners and the director of the local mental health program (MVMH) on mental health matters in Baker County didn’t exist. At least not a legally constituted one.
For many years, instead of doing their statutory duty and appointing a MH advisory committee composed of independent, interested citizens, the Commissioners had just appointed the board of directors of MVMH to serve as the advisory committee. There was even a clause to that effect written right into the county’s annually automatically-renewing contract with MVMH. The obvious effect was that the board of directors of MVMH were advising the Commissioners on their own operation, a blatant conflict of interest.
I discovered a second inconvenient truth about county government. The county contract with MVMH required that a Baker County Commissioner be a member of the MVMH board of directors; that role was been filled in recent years by Commissioner Carl Stiff. The result was a double conflict of interest in that Commissioner Stiff, serving as a MVMH director and as a member of the MH advisory committee, was advising himself about county MH matters, an even more blatant conflict of interest.
The conflict of interest became more problematic, when employee-management relations at MVMH imploded three years ago. Commissioner Stiff was faced with which fiduciary duty he should give precedence to, the duty he owed to the citizens of Baker County as a commissioner or the duty he owed to MVMH as a member of its board of directors. Stiff chose the latter, and to my knowledge did not even inform his fellow commissioners, Warner and Tim Kerns, of the terrible mess for which he, as a MVMH director, was partially responsible.
More than once I’ve pointed out to Commissioners a third inconvenient truth, namely, the conflict of interest arising from Barbara Warner’s being a member of the MVMH board of directors. Barbara Warner is the step-mother of Commissioner Fred Warner, Jr. She helps run MVMH, an agency whose existence is dependent on her step-son’s authorizing the agency’s contract and a million dollars in operating funds.
Ironically, Commissioners cited conflict of interest as their reason for not reappointing to the MH Advisory Committee Ed Moses, whose wife is suing MVMH for wrongful termination. No one—let me emphasize—NO ONE on the Committee has worked harder, been more faithful in attendance, and is more deserving of being reappointed than Ed Moses.
The dismissal of Moses and me is not the first time Commissioners have attempted to stifle criticism on the MH Advisory Committee. In July of 2007, Commissioners sent the Committee a letter warning unnamed members that if they didn’t shape up, Commissioners would get rid of them. I immediately wrote a letter asking Commissioners to name the members they were complaining about. Commissioners continued to conceal the identity of the alleged offending members by leaving my request unanswered.
That threatening letter and the refusal to reappoint to the MH Advisory Committee a couple of committee members who have criticized the county and MVMH, send a clear message to the Committee, and to other county boards and committees, that criticism will not be tolerated.
President-elect Barack Obama is taking as his guiding light in developing his cabinet the theme of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals,” a Lincoln biography I read right after publication three years ago. Obama is choosing to surround himself not with people who tell him what they think he wants to hear, but rather with independent thinkers who will dare to speak truth to power. Baker County Commissioners would do well to emulate Lincoln’s way of dealing with critics.
I wish the newly appointed MH Advisory Committee well and hope the members are not intimidated by this cautionary account of how our Baker County Commission handles criticism.
—Letters To The Editor—
Christmas Times Of Long Ago
To The Record-Courier:
Here I am pondering on what to do for my Christmas Holiday Letter to the Editor, especially with my special ending of Eggnog Anyone?
How many of us relish the idea of recapturing those special times of long ago to truly experience the true art of this Christmas season with so many issues etc. at hand, making us at times wanting to relive those good old days of the Holidays? Especially this time of the year?
I always seem to hear special stories of how, and all the preparations that go into making our holidays special and passing on those special traditions in hopes that the younger generation will appreciate and take hold of.
Most families seem to have a prankster wanting to make it fun for the season. Those kind of of stories traditionally make their way thru history. And even the special Christmas songs, and even the fun ones at that are all a part of making our holiday season a special event no matter what, not to mention all the special outdoor Christmas lights. I especially like the one on Campbell Street just off 10th, even though it isn’t as elaborate as others might be. It just seems to have a special effect because of Jesus being the reason for the season. But, every celebration is different!
For me I used a roasting bag this year to do our turkey and wow! At least, I didn’t have the house go up in flames like I almost did a couple of years ago at 3 a.m. If you start it at 10 or around there it will take 2 1⁄2 hours to make, but never start it at night time! Make sure the bird is completely thawed. We like to bake our dressing separate. Turning the breast side down will make it even more moist with all the juices cooking into it, but everyone has their tradition of cooking that ol’ bird!
I encourage anyone to write special stories to The Record-Courier to allow the readers of this paper, enjoy the traditions of this Holiday Season! I also want to thank those who continue to compliment me on my letters and enjoy reading them. Happy Holidays!
Eggnog Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
Wise Men Without Wisdom
To The Record-Courier:
Is history repeating itself?
Why are we in this bind? Most of my generation came into this world during the Coolidge presidency. Things went from bad to worse in Hoover’s time. In the early 50’s, we began to import oil. At that time we started selling our independence to the countries selling oil. These countries got their heads together and formed O.P.E.C. Now they had us.
In the early 70’s we had good warning signs of what was to come. Jimmy Carter made eloquent speeches of the disaster of our dependence on oil. This was all viewed as a threat to democracy. But we never had a real energy policy and we still don’t. We are afflicted with the well-known NIMBY syndrome the French had been bogged down in a place they eventually withdrew from. Were we any smarter? Not really.
The Russians spent much money and many lives in a place they eventually gave up on. Are we any smarter? It remains to be seen. The drain on Russian resources probably helped end the cold war. Several presidents have said, “The only way to free ourselves from the OPEC power is to be less dependent on imported oil.” In the meantime we keep digging a deeper hole financially.
What will it take to get us out of this prison we find ourselves in? Until we make real progress to get out of this prison, we will be constantly doing what we are doing now.
Locally we are discussing a right away for a power line. I wonder why they don’t just build a power plant closer to the end user — Boise. The coal trains could save many miles. The cost of building a power line from Boardman to Murphy could be used to build a power plant near the Boise Area.
Not in my back yard will undoubtedly raise the end cost of the project. But we all want to flip the switch and have light.
I remember the old kerosene lamp, then the Aladdin lamp, and watching the battery-powered radio. Then it went to one electric light bulb with a string, and let there be light.
Eric Romtvedt,
Baker City
Miners Should Not Be Penalized
To The Record-Courier:
I have just become aware of an absolute atrocity being attempted by the Baker County Planning Commission against owners of Patented Mining Claims. If you own patented mining property or would like to see a fair and objective government in Baker County you need to become involved!
The Planning Commission, apparently in cooperation with the BLM and Forest Service, is proposing controls on dwellings on Patented Mining property that apply only to such lands. You should understand that a patent is the most secure ownership document available in this country. Therefore how can county government alter its terms by local ordinance?
If these same standards were applied to all the lands within Baker County a very large number would be impacted. The proposed ordinance would prevent the construction of a new dwelling, or replacement of an existing structure, if access is by a BLM or Forest Service road unless the road is paved to a width of 18 feet, there is at least one defined lane in each direction and a maintenance agreement exists between the Forest Service and landowners adjacent to the road, a local government or a state agency.
First, this appears to be more of the road closure activity of the federal agencies with which our county government is cooperating. These are mines that have proven mineral content or they could not become patented. This ruling would prevent a miner from living on PRIVATE PROPERTY and forcing him to travel, in many cases great distances, to work his mine. This mischief is sponsored by our County Government! For what reason? The result is further impoverishment of our community.
Most mining claims are located in the mountains where the minerals are and where the roads are unimproved. Should these owners be penalized? If wide paved roads are so important why isn’t the same standard applied county-wide? Could it be that the Forest Service and BLM want us out of the woods, and are using a willing County Government to run us off?
Jasper H. Coombes
Richland, Ore.
Turkey Trot Thanks
To The Record-Courier:
Thank you from the Race Directors and thank you from the Compassion Center.
The first annual Turkey Trot “Run/Walk to Feed the Hungry” was a huge success. We were overwhelmed by the support from the community and by the number of participants. Over 200 of you signed up for this first-time event that we plan to continue and improve each year.
The city staff, Jennifer Watkins, the police department, Lt. Harvey, and Sgt. Regan, and Lisa Hulse at ODOT, made everything go smoothly for us. Being new to this whole event/race directing stuff, they walked us through all we needed to do and when a form was submitted incorrectly, they kindly helped us to correct it.
The staff at the YMCA made registration so efficient and helped to keep track of the money and the forms. Helping us to focus on the marketing and planning end of things.
Suzi Cole taught us everything we needed to know about hosting a race, and was there on race day to make sure we got it right, so that all the folks who keep track of their race results could have them. This meant a lot to us because having raced quite a bit, finish times are a big deal to us. We have a much greater appreciation for all that goes into timing an event now.
The help we got for our finish line food and on course refreshment was thanks to the hard work of Suzi Cook-Smith. She contacted the sponsors, picked it up, delivered it, and then manned the table on race day. Next year she’ll get to run the race instead.
Ryan and Kaylin Chaves, owners of Kicks Sportswear, opened their hearts and doors to the event, donating prizes, hosting packet pickup, and race morning entry. It was so nice to sign the 80 some same day entrants up in their heated store, instead of outside in the cold, where the pens didn’t work too well.
The local media outlets were great at spreading the word too. And the Chamber also listed it on-line.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made the race run smooth and safe.
They helped put up and take down the barriers, direct the participants on course, as well as feed and quench their thirst. These are the things that make people come back to an event. The race day volunteers were spectacular, both runners and walkers commented on how much fun they had thanks to you guys and gals.
Lastly, we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our sponsors, Albertsons, Banner Bank, Bella Main Street Market, Blue Mountain Design Works, C&DP Enterprises, Clark and Company Home, Domino’s Pizza, Flagstaff Sports, Hill’s Family Dentistry, Kicks Sportswear, The Little Pig, The Prospectors Chocolate Co. & Bistro, Sorbenots Coffee, J. Tabor Jewelers, and the YMCA. Betty’s Book and Thatcher’s Ace Hardware gave donations that were used for the 1st place prizes.
Myself and my husband were so happy with how everything worked out we’re already talking about how to make next year’s Turkey Trot even better. Thank you again to everyone who made this such a great Thanksgiving for the Compassion Center, both sponsors and participants.
Corrine Vegter, Race Director
Brian Vegter, Asst. Race Dir.
Baker City
The Population Bomb And Freedom
To The Record-Courier:
If you couldn’t find the time to read Jack Hart’s “Treading On A Taboo” in last week’s Record Courier do yourself and your children and grandchildren a favor and find the time. For a long time I’ve preached the doctrine that all these trivial attempts to save the environment by recycling, turning down the thermostats, driving small cars, zoning your rights away, etc. just distracts from the root cause of our troubles. To quote Hart “The sad fact is that unless we do something drastic, out of control population growth will wipe out the gains made by the most ambitious recycling and conservation programs, both here and across the planet.”
Hart ties our immigration problems to population growth, “Ninety-one percent of our population growth over the next 40 years will come from post 2000 immigrants and their descendants.” This is not news. Numbers USA had a little card they handed out that I used to show around. It started with the 1965 Immigration Reform Act that did away with quotas. Almost immediately our population started heading straight up from around 200 million. Enter Tom McCall in 1973 and Oregon’s attempt to save the world from the resulting sprawl by enacting a forced urbanization policy. The result, Oregon has become a feudal state wherein only the rich can live outside an urban growth boundary because of large land block zoning. And guess what, our population is at 305 million and 90 percent of that can be traced to the 1965 Immigration Reform Act.
Okay, so that might not interest you, but let’s bring it down to a little more intimate level. Don’t like the looks of monster power lines or wind mills in your back yard? Well sorry to say, but our mega cities aren’t going to turn the lights out just to save your view. They have the votes. Too many people riding 4-wheelers has resulted in a plan to save the outdoor world. Can’t get an elk tag or just go hunting where you would like anymore? Guess what the problem might be? Could it be an ever increasing population? Guess what is driving that increase? Could it be a national policy of ever increasing legal immigration and uncontrolled illegal immigration? We legalize a few of our own. The list could go on for many pages about attempts to save the environment through bone head mitigation ideas, ranging from paper cups, to more pollution controls on cars, to gas mileage standards to local land use planning efforts but in the end nothing will make up for the policy of doubling our population every few generations.
There is an unholy alliance between the bleeding heart liberal who would try to solve the third world’s poverty problems, brought on by increasing populations and the globalist corporate CEO who likes that cheap labor, customers and even soldiers for the empire by granting green cards, if you join the military. Pyramid schemes like social security depend on a brand new crop of young invaders to keep it from collapsing.
We had two candidates for president who were in favor of granting amnesty to anyone who would like to hop over the border and of course grant the chain migration rights that would bring in their families too. If you really wanted to vote America first you had no place to go. Now the Republican leadership is trying to figure out how to dig out of a hole and many are suggesting ways to be more inclusive and win the Latino vote. Keep in mind that Los Angeles, Calif., is Mexico’s second largest city. Are they looking forward to the time when it is the largest? White flight from these areas is already impacting our area. Mexico borders us and as might be expected the majority of our illegals come from there and increasingly from other Latin American countries. But our illegals come from around the world and range in color from black to white. Race is not an issue. Lax security and the greed of special interests are. They clamor for more cheap labor through outright non-enforcement of borders and a much too liberal visa program. Politics and politicians are the problem.
So if you are an eastern Oregonian who still remembers the Oregon where you might have been able to own some country land or were one of the old timers who just went out and bought a deer or elk tag and hunted where you pleased or went steelhead fishing and could actually find a place to fish or maybe a farmer who didn’t worry about water supplies and have seen things change dramatically, then think about how we got here and where we are going. Think things are conflicted for you? Then think about your grandchildren in a United States with one billion people. Their standard of living will be lower than yours because, believe it or not, all those new arrivals compete for gasoline, living space, food and road space and homes. Prices will rise and an over abundance of cheap labor will drive down wages.
What to do about it? Vote the right way. I had many questions for Gordon Smith when he came to town over the years about immigration. He failed my tests and I voted to get him out. Ron Wyden is the same. An unabashed globalist. The recent Latino immigrants are about to make a political move putting pressure on Obama to stop immigration raids and there will soon be bills in Congress for amnesty. Wyden will support it. You should call Ron and warn him that Senators can be replaced. And you might start looking around for candidates who won’t pander to the illegals, that wasn’t John McCain and I think that many just stayed out of the fight because he failed to represent Americans instead of the global view.
Things are going to get worse politically in Oregon. Portland and the I-5 Corridor is much stronger now and immigration laws will be harder to pass. Hopes of loosening Oregon land use dictatorship during the Big Look legislature are dimming, and nationally with Obama’s new government, hopes of a secure border are going to go away while the second amendment gets trashed. But things change and eventually there will be a backlash. You should pay attention a little bit and start looking for people who represent you, not the world view people who brought us to this place. We need candidates next time who remember that America was the strongest republic in the world and we need to start back down that road and not put it up for sale. With a too large population comes more and more regulations to mitigate the resulting problems. You will lose your freedom.
Steve Culley
Baker City
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