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New WSI Director Presides Over Open Meeting Violation
Written by Chet   
Monday, 16 June 2008

MirrorAccording to an e-mail circulated at North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance ("WSI") last week, WSI CEO Bruce Furness has admitted to presiding over a secret WSI board meeting conducted in violation of North Dakota's open meetings law on May 21, 2008, at the East 40 restaurant, in Bismarck.  Here's a clip from Mr. Furness's e-mail:

Hi everyone,

I want to inform you of a situation that occurred last month.
On May 22, 2008, personnel from WSI were alleged to have attended an unannounced public meeting on May 21 involving a quorum of the Audit Committee.  This specific allegation was unfounded.
However, as we investigated this situation, we discovered that a quorum of the Governance Committee was unknowingly and inadvertently involved this gathering.
Hereʼs what occurred.  Shortly after 6:00 PM, Board Chair Mark Gjovig, consultant Stacy Sjogren, Mary Thompson and I met at a local restaurant for a working dinner.  We were reviewing the agenda for the board meeting on the following day - the first such meeting under our new governance structure.
Shortly before 7:00 PM, board members Mark Jackson and Mike Gallagher joined us, thereby creating a quorum (Gjovig and Jackson) of the newly-formed three-member Governance Committee.  Later, around 7:30 PM, board member John Dyste arrived and sat alone at a separate table.  When his presence was noted, he was invited to join us for dinner.  We left the establishment at about 8:45 PM.
A request has been made to the Attorney General to determine if the Board violated any open meeting laws that apply to WSI.  We are currently in the process of providing the AG with information for their opinion. 

(From an internal WSI e-mail) 

So... for those of you keeping score at home, board members Mark Gjovig, Mark Jackson, Mike Gallagher and John Dyste all met with WSI CEO Furness, Carver governance consultant Stacy Sjogren and WSI's QA manager Mary Thompson and they all had a secret meeting to discuss WSI business.  

Isn't it funny how they "discovered" that a quorum of the Governance Committee was meeting, secretly.  Isn't that ironic?  The fundamental, basic rule for governance of a state agency is transparency, and this bunch can't even get that right?  What do you suppose they were discussing at their secret meeting?  Anybody want to put some money on.... "governance"? 

And does anybody really believe that this secret meeting was "inadvertant" and "unknowing"?!? 

"Oops!  I forgot it's illegal to hold illegal secret meetings all the time."

You know how Furness came in and said he's not going to look back at the problems of the past; he was going to focus on making things right in the future?!?  This is precisely why Furness will fail if he doesn't look at WSI's problems in the past.  If he doesn't know about the violations of law and/or the corruption that's gone on in the past, he is certain to repeat it.  You can bank on that.  This violation of law is just one little example of how you should expect this to play out over and over and over and over and over and over in the news during Furness' tenure. 

By the way... I don't believe -- not for a minute -- that Furness doesn't know about all of WSI's misdeeds in the past.   He knew what he was doing when he participated in this open meetings law violation.  I'd bet money on it.  In light of what's gone on at WSI (and even in Fargo, lately) with open meetings violations, he'd have to be a complete idiot to have not known what was going on.  And I don't think he's a complete idiot.

So... how is he going to remedy this clear legal violation that occured under his watch?  Will someone cough up a thorough, detailed narrative of everything that was said about WSI at the meeting?  Will the participants all be required to cough up narratives of everything each remembers from the secret meeting?  Who will enforce North Dakota's open meetings law?  

The Attorney General?!?

So much for expecting Furness to come in and clean up WSI.  As it turns out, he's more of the same.

Or worse.

We continue to deserve better. 

Comments (51)add comment

Mr. Ford said:

The Furness heat is up!!!
Ok what I don't get is the part where Furness says "This specific allegation was unfounded.", does this mean he already knows what the AG is going to say about the request from Jim Long? I guess when your chosen by the governor, and Conolly before the audit is even read, you are probably sure to know the outcome of any calls by the AG too.

As for Furness being more of the same, I believe that was predicted the moment everyone heard he would be the new ICEO. So, surprised? NOPE!! Not one damn little bit.

 
June 16, 2008, 05:25 PM | url
Votes: +4

Skeeter said:

Who wants to bet...
Does anyone want to make a bet that the AG will never even ask the East 40 for surveillance footage or copies of credit card receipts? Who wants to bet that the AG will never ask the omitted members from the board (Grossbauer and Curl) what they think about this quorum? Anybody want to bet that the AG will not ask for depositions to force Furness and Gjovig to tell the truth? Anybody want to bet that the AG won't ask Long what he saw? This won't be investigated because WSI is above the law. I guess we need to just deal with it.
 
June 16, 2008, 05:52 PM
Votes: +2

Pegasus said:

Can't believe that email
How can you admit to having a 'working dinner' and at the same time use words like 'inadvertent' and 'unfounded'? I for one, am sick sick SICK of the arrogance. And the lame spin. Furness must think WSI employees and the public are morons to put out an email like that. We deserve better is right.
 
June 16, 2008, 06:27 PM
Votes: +1

Get A Grip and Get A Job Chad said:

Corruption? Sexy but not so factsy a line ...
corruption

noun
1. lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain [syn: corruptness] [ant: incorruption]
2. in a state of progressive putrefaction [syn: putrescence]
3. decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation)
4. moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles; "the luxury and corruption among the upper classes"; "moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration"; "its brothels, its opium parlors, its depravity"; "Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction"
5. destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity; "corruption of a minor"; "the big city's subversion of rural innocence"
6. inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by committing a felony); "he was held on charges of corruption and racketeering"

WordNet 3.0, 2006 by Princeton University.


"If he doesn't know about the violations of law and/or the corruption that's gone on in the past, he is certain to repeat it." What corruption Chad? The courts and state's attorney found everything clean and the supposed violations of the auditors office were institutional practices for years not crimes. You run a fast hand and employ loose journalistic ethics. In reality, your one-sided hate, demented psychosis, and unhealthy obsession with WSI are the only corruption here.
 
June 16, 2008, 07:18 PM
Votes: -11

Mr. Ford said:

To Get A Grip and Get A Job Chad
You pretty much covered WSI, and the executives with your dictionary explanation there. Thanks!

Oh, and thanks for the negative vote I appreciate them!
 
June 16, 2008, 07:29 PM | url
Votes: +5

Pegasus said:

Get a Grip
What courts have found everything clean? That's one of the issues with bloggers here. That nothing has really been investigated thoroughly and impartially and no courts have heard anything. Unless you're referring to Blunt and Leingang's mistake in law dismissal of charges. Aren't we still waiting for the Supreme Court decision on the other charges?
 
June 16, 2008, 07:36 PM
Votes: +2

Big Jake said:

...
WSI falls under all 6 definitions of corruption. As to Chet's obsession, I would suggest that Grip needs to read the blogs more carefully and with just a little bit of objectivity. Where in the hell do you find hate or obsession or psychosis? To suggest or demand that integrity and honest government be restored is far above the silly accusations. As far as I know, no investigation has yet take place. The AG has used stall tactics to avoid any real investigation. I would suggest that the AG and Hoeven are relying on the Supreme Court to give the whole mess a political decision and pull the plug. It would seem a stretch for them to do that when you read the statute and the Wefald ridiculous decision. Clearly the Supreme Court is delaying the ruling for nothing more than pure politics. It sure as hell is not because they are too busy---check the docket. They all know that delay past the November election is imperative. These are not fools sitting on that bench. And for anyone to suggest that the Court is above politics just simply know nothing about history---in ND and DC. If what it appears to have happened captured the headlines, the political landscape would change dramatically----at the end of the day, we just don't like corruption.

None of this has been necessary---months ago or even a year or two ago, Hoeven had the power to just simply tell all involved to clean up the mess. It would appear that he told them either explicitly or tacitly to cover up the mess and Stenejhem has clicked his heels and "followed orders".

I really don't understand why some feel compelled to remain blind---be apologists for the established order. Our liberty is under attack when a shadow organization supercedes the rule of law. This is not new or even very clever but it has been effective. No one, no matter what political party you are in, nor what political beliefs you hold should ever tolerate corruption. What probably began as something quite small has grown into what is without doubt, the biggist political scandal in our state's history. At this point, when the truth enjoys sunlight, a lot of political careers will be ended. It is sad that those who will fall have in the past performed good service to our state but that will be washed away in the test of their character when they needed to stand up for the law and the integrity we have a right to demand.

 
June 16, 2008, 08:03 PM
Votes: +13

Eyeball said:

Interesting use of words
I recall someone inside the walls of WSI using the term "sexy" as an adjective to describe some element of the WSI mess. Then at one of the IB&L Committee hearings, I heard Rick Berg use a certain unique phrase that I saw a blogger use here as well. They both wrote as people who believe either that there are no problems at WSI that need correcting or that everyone was to blame but themselves for WSIs woes.

So, "sexy" (if I am correct), how does it feel to be ousted by WSI? Do you feel betrayed? Did they turn their backs on you? Do you feel like you were stabbed in the back? I don't give a shit about your guilt or innocence, what I do want to know is were you calling the shots on willfully hurting WSI employees and their careers or did you just go along with your minions suggestions? You had the power to stop the crap, why didn't you? WSI would not be in the shape it is in now if you would have stopped the bullshit early on.

What a bunch of crap this meeting at the East 40 is. Too much of a coincidence that they just happened to be in the same restaurant. With WSI being in the delicate situation and spotlight like it is, come on, you damn well better conduct your business during business hours, following the rules, and act like you are under a microscope. To then "discover" you have a quorum, well, save that line for Ethics 101. Oh yeah, Furness really cares about his WSI employees, so much that he drags Mary Thompson right into the fire, center stage.
 
June 16, 2008, 08:37 PM
Votes: +4

Hooked On Phonics Worked for You! said:

Let's see some examples
Well, someone found an online dictionary. Congratulations. You may benefit from examples of exactly how corruption has permeated WSI.
corruption

1. lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain [syn: corruptness] [ant: incorruption]. Furness and the board members who particpated in the illegal meeting are all in positions of public trust. They have abused those positions by participating in illegal meetings. The purpose of this and other illegal meetings is to ensure that the shadow influences who have run WSI for the past many years will continue to be served well - knowingly or unknowingly by the ilk of Furness et al. Look at Long - he publicly flagellates himself for "falling in" to the culture at WSI before shaking himself free. Furness had been there less than three months and was already sucked in.

2. in a state of progressive putrefaction [syn: putrescence] - The Furness email itself is evidence of "progressive putrefaction." Furness, a formerly well-respected republican finds himself participating in an illegal, unannounced public meeting. When surrounded by the same WSI insiders who where at the heart of Blunt's regime, Furness' vision is now so impaired that he no longer is capable of noticing that he is actively participating in conduct that is illegal. That's progressive. That's putrid.

3. decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation) - the systematic abuse of injured workers by adopting policies that are designed to force blue-collar employees to navigate a system so complex most trial lawyers in this state no longer work with it. That's rotten.

4. moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles; "the luxury and corruption among the upper classes"; "moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration"; "its brothels, its opium parlors, its depravity"; "Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction" See number one.

5. destroying someone's (or some group's) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity; "corruption of a minor"; "the big city's subversion of rural innocence." See number two above.

6. inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by committing a felony); "he was held on charges of corruption and racketeering." In order to preserve the status quo, the Interim CEO has been induced to participate in meetings that are part of the deeply entrenched, corrupt culture at WSI.


Keep readin' those internet dictionaries. It has been quite helpful.
 
June 16, 2008, 09:03 PM
Votes: +7

Pegasus said:

Governance committee quorum?
What exactly was the purpose of the unfounded, inadvertent working dinner meeting? Governance? Didn't the WSI Chair appoint Grossbauer as head of the Governance Committee? I wonder why he wasn't invited to dinner with the rest of them. Why wasn't he meeting with the Governance consultant?
 
June 16, 2008, 09:45 PM
Votes: +5

Robin said:

Board governance consultant overpaid and underqualified
Consultant Stacy Sjogren participated in a working supper discussing board business and didn't know there was a quorum of the governance committee present? This group just keeps stumbling. Hard to believe it was inadvertent.
 
June 17, 2008, 05:42 AM
Votes: +3

Rumor has it said:

Allegedly
The purpose of the meeting was marginalize Grossbauer and Curl using the Board governance model - allegedly. That was why they weren't invited to the meeting and why the consultant was. Simple, really.
 
June 17, 2008, 07:34 AM
Votes: +5

Chet said:

Don't see a problem
I don't see how there's a problem. If you're going to use the Board governance model to (further) undermine or marginalize two board members, how can you get anything done if you don't have a quorum of the board members at your illegal secret meeting? And what's the point of having a secret, illegal meeting regarding governance if you don't invite your governance consultant to help the quorum marginalize the targeted Board members?

Again, I don't see a problem. It just seems like standard Republican operating procedure to me. Political strategery at its finest.

I have to wonder where John Hoeven is on this. If it's true that this illegal secret meeting was being held to marginalize two of Hoeven's appointees on a state agency board, you'd think he'd be pretty upset about it. You'd think Hoeven would be calling for some more resignations.

Well, maybe not Hoeven. He wouldn't be upset. He wouldn't call for resignations. He's probably supportive. What I meant to say is that a real leader would be upset to learn that two of his appointees were being illegally marginalized by other state agency board members.
 
June 17, 2008, 08:06 AM
Votes: +5

doug d.riley said:

theres something
theres something about the smell around wsi that effects the brain-furness was mayor in fargo for twelve years,he knows all about open meeting laws-furness just did a tour of wsi with a tribune reporter the other day to show how happy everyone is thats working there-i'm sure by now they have painted little happy faces all over the walls,but in really small print it says the word shit underneath them-i wonder who paid the bill at the restaurant??the other two board members were'nt invited because their votes an opinions do'nt count anyway-remember there is nothing wrong with wsi-the money must be really good for people to waddle in that much feces an be able to put on a smile,what a load......P.S. i wonder if furness calls hoven DADDY when they meet....
 
June 17, 2008, 08:54 AM
Votes: +2

Pegasus said:

I get it
Allegedly meeting to marginalize board members. The only two members who dissent openly. The two org governance gurus (consultant and Thompson) were willing participants? Oops.

There's been a long history of board manipulation (Conolly's shadow management). Allegedly, a WSI insider scurried to meet with the two new board members prior to their very first meeting. Allegedly to orient them about issues pertaining to WSI. Wonder if those issues included discussion about the future of the whistleblowers and maybe even a couple board members? Anyone want to bet a half-eaten grilled cheese sandwich on that one?
 
June 17, 2008, 09:25 AM
Votes: +3

nimrod said:

Carver Governance Model
Where can I go to buy the Carver Governance Model? It obviously works really well. It must have its antecedents in the "good old boy" model. It also must have a relationship to the "smoke-filled room" concept of open government. Maybe it'll be on sale at Wal-Mart soon. I sure hope so. How much glue do you think I'll need to put it together?
 
June 17, 2008, 09:42 AM
Votes: +1

Chet said:

In defense of Carver
From what I've read about Carver, it's a pretty good governance model when it's used properly.

The problems arise -- and Carver experts acknowledge this out loud -- when it is not implemented properly, such as when board members have secret, illegal meetings.

If they'd pay me what they're paying Conolly, I'd help them implement it properly.

Seriously.

Bruce. Give me a call.
 
June 17, 2008, 09:46 AM
Votes: +4

Mathematician said:

October
If it takes Wain Stenjum 117 days or more to write his opinion on this open meetings violation it will come out in September or October. By then everyone will have forgotten another illegal WSI board meeting was ever held.

Its good to be king.
 
June 17, 2008, 10:11 AM
Votes: +3

Mr. Ford said:

Here is an IDEA Bruce
So if they just trickle in to the restaurant then its not considered a closed meeting? I wonder if this was planned to spread out everyone?s arrival as to not throw up a red flag? Oh I know nothing at WSI is planned it just happens. I am sure in time Furness will understand what "open meeting" means. Since he is playing this one down as an "I didn't know" does the mean he gets the one strike rule?

Oh the wicked webs they must weave! Here is an idea Bruce save yourself some more headache and just go back to Fargo and retire. It might be in your best interest before you get caught doing something illegal AGAIN!!!!
 
June 17, 2008, 02:32 PM | url
Votes: +1

Mr. Ford said:

Check out this link, and guess whos name is at the bottom of this idea!!
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=19555

ND Lawmakers Consider Boosting Their Own Pay

Wow glad they are getting more since the injured workers cant!
 
June 17, 2008, 05:03 PM | url
Votes: +1

doug d.riley said:

i've asked
i've asked this question alot and still do'nt have an answer-why has'nt the BCI been called in to investigate wsi-everytime you look wsi is putting their foot in it-no-one an nothing is above the law-wsi just has a couple of big names blocking the door ways-why can't the ag be removed-i get sooo tired as does everyone else watching wsi make lame excuses and walking way with it.....
 
June 17, 2008, 10:43 PM
Votes: +4

Chet said:

Follow-up
The Grand Forks Herald is reporting, this morning, that there may be yet another open meeting violations being looked into at WSI. Here's the link.

May 21st AND June 10th.

Can you imagine? They hold the illegal meeting on May 21st. They're busted. A request for A.G. opinion on their violation is filed May 22nd. So what do they do? They have another secret, illegal meeting again less than three weeks later.

Where's Hoeven?


 
June 18, 2008, 09:14 AM
Votes: +7

IWofND said:

Doesn't that one singer Britney Spears have a song out about this?
Goes something like....."Opps I did it again!"

Just goes to show you nothing will change unless we force it to change.
 
June 18, 2008, 09:34 AM
Votes: +3

Pegasus said:

What about all those phone calls?
According to the article in the GFH, shouldn't those calls between Gjovig, Indvik, and Mandigo have been investigated for open meetings violations? The AG had the information (heck, the entire world could find it right here). While he's investigating all these other alleged violations, maybe he should dig into that too.
 
June 18, 2008, 09:43 AM
Votes: +3

Pegasus said:

Trib editorial
Maybe the Trib editors should retract the 'New Look' piece. Kinda looks the same, if you ask me.
 
June 18, 2008, 09:49 AM
Votes: +3

nimrod said:

Where's Hoeven?
He is too busy single-handedly opening up ND for economic development, increasing the price of a barrel of oil, and increasing commodity prices for grain, beans, sugar, beef, and pork. Also, remember kids, in the open meetings game, sometimes the sideshow is intended to get you to take your eye off the ball.
 
June 18, 2008, 02:35 PM
Votes: +3

S. Fred Wood said:

Well Chet...
I liked the Dickinson Press version better:


Chairwoman Roberta Ripplinger of Minot made numerous references to having discussed the issue with her fellow committee members before the meeting. Ripplinger mentioned several times what the other two members? sentiments were, all before either of the other two members spoke during the meeting. The other two are Dyste and J.P. Wiest of Jamestown.


Didn't Bobbie get the memo? "ya, we meet behind closed doors in illegal meetings but don't be obvious."

They have been doing it for so long they don't even care if people notice. Shame on them.
 
June 18, 2008, 03:05 PM
Votes: +3

Waiting and Waiting for Action said:

Reams of Incidents, No Action
Didn't the whistleblowers turn in their corrupt coworkers with pages and pages of examples of exactly this type of behavior? To this day, exactly NOTHING they reported has ever been investigated - even though their allegations were CRIMINAL in nature - not civil.

The best we can hope for, it seems, is hefty civil judgments against the state through Flanagan's suit giving us an O.J.esque form of justice.

Isn't it also interesting that the Bismarck Tribune is now absent? This story is hitting major papers across the state, but the same Tribune that published the political cartoon of the "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" employees at WSI is now silent.

Kind of makes their glowing editorial seem like another whitewash.

Puke.
 
June 18, 2008, 05:58 PM
Votes: +8

Truth said:

...
Hmmm lets see Roberta Ripplinger is the HR Director for the City of Minot and knows nothing about open meetings laws/violations. Perhaps someone should look into the city of Minot and how they operate. Her explanation is a joke, but then so is the whole WSI fiasco. When will it end.

The tribune has egg on its face for being sucked in by Furness. After 10 years of incompetence, arrogance, breaking laws, do the editors of the Tribune think it will all change in 3 months and then to praise Halvorson the cameleon (sp) who changes his appearance to suck up to whoever is in charge, PUKE.
 
June 18, 2008, 08:19 PM
Votes: +5

Pegasus said:

And speaking of whistleblowers
How is WSI going to explain terminating the 4 whistleblowers who actually reported perceived issues and not the one who reported nothing?
 
June 18, 2008, 08:41 PM
Votes: +1

News said:

Wetzel Publishes Article in Williston Herald
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/s...TE=DEFAULT

A story was posted on the Williston Herald late tonight by Dale Wetzel. Check it out.
 
June 18, 2008, 09:53 PM
Votes: +3

S. Fred Wood said:

Thanks News.
I was wondering what Bobbie's Jodi's spin was on this. Folks, I have to tell you, Bobbie isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. She can repeat what others tell her to say, but that's about it.

Anyone going to ask for the e-mails? I'll bet they disappear. Open records go the way of open meetings.
 
June 18, 2008, 10:21 PM
Votes: +2

In the Know said:

More lawsuits?
Does anyone know why Long's and Grinsteiner's lawsuits are taking so long to appear?
 
June 18, 2008, 11:35 PM
Votes: +1

Mr. Ford said:

I like this statement by Bruce Furness
"It wasn't a private thing at all. There were a number of people around," Furness said. "We sat where they put us. We didn't have a special arrangement."

So is he saying that since they were in a public place, and others were around it isn't really a meeting at all? I guess I am just missing his trying to explain this away. Good luck Bruce your doing a "bang up job" just like the CEO before you.
 
June 19, 2008, 12:03 AM | url
Votes: +3

Steve C. said:

What about the petition
What ever happened with the petition circulated to put WSI under the control of our worthless Gov. Thought I would have seen it on the primary ballot. Even though our Gov is part of the whole mess, it would be difficult for him to let his teflon coating, let these illegal activities slip off without being noticed. Anyone having any piece of info on the petition and if we will get a chance to vote on it this fall, please share. This agency makes me angrier every time I hear about it.
 
June 19, 2008, 06:15 AM
Votes: +2

I know too said:

Response to In the Know
Risk management had been sitting on their claims for weeks - like they might actually consider paying them. They were only recently denied when their attorneys refused to show all their evidence that they expect to take to trial. Expect more headlines soon.
 
June 19, 2008, 06:50 AM
Votes: +2

News said:

Do you hear the crickets chirping?
Still no word from the suck-ups at the Tribune. Every other major paper in the state is finally reporting this story. Every one but the Bismarck Tribune, that is.

Way to go, Chet, for beating them all (again).
 
June 19, 2008, 06:57 AM
Votes: +2

doug d.riley said:

more than likely
more than likely it would'nt be that hard to find out just who paid the bill at this(open)meeting-i wonder if the ag has asked for a pay raise since he's having to bail out wsi all the time-you would think that the ag would be getting really tired of bailing wsi out from all the stupid crap that they pull-does the ag still have five hired guns inside wsi?....
 
June 19, 2008, 09:12 AM
Votes: +1

News II said:

...
Someone should pull the Furness time card. He has taken more leave than the lottery guy. Leaves early every Friday, taken days off, wonder where he got all that leave since he has not accrued any...or maybe he doesn't need to account for his time at all. Just another example of a WSI CEO playing by his own rules.
 
June 19, 2008, 10:28 AM
Votes: +2

Jerry Becker said:

Petition update
The petition is alive and well. A decision was made some time ago to wait until the general election to place the initiative on the ballot. For those of you that may have signatures collected, please be sure to turn in your sheets before August 1st. I will be driving my convertible in the 4th of July parade in Mandan and again July 19th in the ND State Fair parade in Minot. The theme will focus on the WSI initiative. We will be collecting signature at both locations as well as other places. We collected signatures at the State Capitol and DOT the other day with a good number of state employees and others signing the petition. We want to collect as many signatures as possible to far exceed what is required.
 
June 19, 2008, 11:28 AM | url
Votes: +8

Pegasus said:

Tale of Two Newspapers
Trib has run the story on the open meetings investigations. Better late than never, I guess. Comparing stories between the Trib and the Dickinson Press...Ripplinger is quoted in Trib as saying something to the effect that if the chair of a committee can't call members to request agenda items, then someone should tell them? I thought the Press story (or maybe GFH) said there were actual discussions and opinions solicited (and emails). Anyone requested the emails?

Sounds like more excuse making if you ask me. Oops officer, sorry the weight of my foot was too heavy for the accelerator. C'mon Ripplinger, you've been on this board for how long?
 
June 19, 2008, 04:59 PM
Votes: +2

doug d.riley said:

the tribune
the tribune has run a story saying that wsi is going to return 77million back to business,i guess that wsi is still going on the word of the conolly report back in march-when he was asked if the surplus of money was dew to the denial of claims,an still no-one has seen to be able to put the surplus an the denial of claims together---go figure----.........
 
June 19, 2008, 08:47 PM
Votes: +1

Mr. Ford said:

To Doug D. Riley
Yes it seems so, and plus it seems funny that they are doing this returning the money about the same time that Gordy Smith is looking into why WSI has built such a surplus up. Seems funny to me they are just now getting in a rush to unload the money! Maybe this is like the cellphone bill they paid, if they do something Gordy Smith will go away too.
 
June 20, 2008, 02:40 AM | url
Votes: +0

MIKE said:

The set up.
ND employers pay about 40 percent of the nation average. For the 2005-06 premium year, North Dakota employers are enjoyied the benefits of an estimated $46 million in premium. Excluding minimum premium payers, the average employer in the state pays nearly $7,000 in workers? compensation premiums, the 40 percent dividend credit will amount to $2,800. Now less than two years later, WSI giving $77 million in dividends to most of its business customers during the next year, which could reduce their annual insurance bills by 62 percent. WSI still mantaining sure and certain relief.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=79814&section=Business

is this the setup to prove once and for all WSI runs WSI better than anyone?
 
June 20, 2008, 06:15 AM
Votes: +0

MIKE said:

I sincerely apologize.
A friend has pointed out how wrong I have been. Somehow I missed this change in supplemental benefits for PTD injuries after July 31, 2001.
http://www.legis.nd.gov/assemb...T0100.pdf
So instead of 60% after 10 years, it will be your ratio to state average weekly wage after only 3 years. I now have come to mistrust what I think I know. So do I understand this change correctly?
This change will not help Christina Carrol or other like her.

 
June 20, 2008, 06:37 AM
Votes: +0

I have issues said:

June 20, 2008, 08:31 AM
Votes: +0

Insider said:

...
I would love to know who sent you a copy of the email - just for cuiosity sake...
 
June 20, 2008, 01:19 PM
Votes: -3

Mr. Ford said:

Just my opinion here....and maybe some questions
I have some issues with the article written in the BT about WSI giving back 77 Million Dollars to employers in dividends. My understanding is that they will be giving credit to employers accounts on future workers compensation premiums? Correct me if I am wrong here. So basically WSI will be hanging on to this money for the next year, collecting interest on it, and giving credit to "some" employers, but not all.

Then they want to be sure to note that they need to subtract the 23.5 Million dollars WSI set aside for "Safety Grants". Have they even handed out many "Safety Grants" this year? Has anyone heard? I heard they haven"t handed out any, and the head of that department quit. So there is another 23.5 million dollars collecting interest in the WSI bank account.

Thirdly there is the 15 Million Dollars that WSI has set aside for "school loan funds". As if WSI allows anyone to go to school now that they use telemarketing jobs as a fast return to work rehabilitation tool. So here is another 15 million dollars in the WSI bank account collecting interest too.

So let me get this straight WSI will still have 115.5 Million Dollars in their bank accounts that they are actually not handing out, and collecting interest off of it while claiming its not in the WSI account. I wonder how much surplus will be in the account at the end of the year with the programs they are not really doing anything about to reduce the surplus. I wonder how much interest they will earn on this money too. Seems to be another great diversion from WSI, my hats off to you again. Great dog and pony show once again.

 
June 20, 2008, 06:41 PM | url
Votes: +4

doug d.riley said:

it will
it will be interesting to see if about six of the board members get refunds,and one other thing has come up-the board said that it meets about four times a year yet indvik was paid around seventy-two hundred dollars for fuel--just how much were they paying him per mile 4.25-it just does'nt add up.....
 
June 20, 2008, 08:31 PM
Votes: +2

Chet said:

Really?
To Insider: I bet you would, my dear friend. I truly, honestly, sincerely bet you would.
 
June 20, 2008, 09:11 PM
Votes: +6

S. Fred Wood said:

Insider.
I think you should be just as interested in how many people sent Chet the e-mail. 5, 6, 10? Or maybe how many copies he received the same day. Pretty good gauge of morale and how much faith workers have in the ICEO and shadow management.

Personally I think everyone gave Bruce a fair chance. But he either was captured by the system (shadow management) or more likely he is what he is - Chamber of Commerce through and through. Either way you can't fool the workforce. Bruce is just a pretty face, so to speak. Lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
 
June 20, 2008, 09:45 PM
Votes: +7

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