IN SILC (ICOIL): Mixed messages

Mixed messages from the Governors office:

On December 11th I recieved a letter removing me from the council and an
e-mail from Jon Vanator stating that he looked forward to working with me
in the future to assure the state meets their obligations to the
disabled....I sent an e-mail trying to clear up my confusion and was
assured that 'we are not questioning your integrity or passion for this
issue, just your conduct at council meetings'

His is response gave me more questions then answers. Like why if our
integrity is not being question would my personal word not be respected?,
and why was the governors office's automatic response to have us removed?
Without requiring any evidence of the still unsubstantiated accusations
against Jodi James and myself... 

But maybe some of my questions will be answered.  On December 14th, Mr.
Vanator reiterated his desire to work with me, so, I am hopeful to at
least get some of the answers to my questions -- but then again, I have
been waiting for over three months for evidence to support the slanderous
accusations against Jodi and myself or an official retraction.  After all,
our integrity isn't being questioned.... 
  

Ramona,

I wanted to take a brief moment to thank you for respecting the recent
changes made to ICOIL membership. There will likely be other changes as we
move forward, and your continued cooperation will be much appreciated. I
know you could have chosen to react in a very hostile manner to changes
you did not agree with, but I very much appreciated your respectful and
professional dealings with me in particular. Please know that I stand
ready to answer any concerns you may have going forward. 

Jon

______________________

Jon,
 
I am not an unreasonable person, but like we said the situation with
regards to the council is unreasonable...anyone who tries to do what the
law requires gets beat up. To tell the truth, I am disappointed that you
disregarded my personal word, and that through your actions you have
knowingly or unknowingly endorsed unsubstatiated slander against two
members of the council who were actually only trying to bring the council
into compliance with the law and stop fraud. 

Contrary to the letter that was sent, I have not been disruptive at
council meetings.....The only meeting where I even appear disruptive is in
October when I was trying read my statement asking for evidence and proof
of the accusations against me, and demanding that we stop sending
fraudulant information to the government and start following the law.  It
was not I who called the police, nor was it I who ignored an agreement
Jodi and I had that we would be allowed to read those statements. 

In November, it wasn't us that stopped a meeting....it was the people who
were the true disruptive force in October who did that....the ones that
refused to even listen to fellow council members and refused our request
to have a rational discussion.  Watch the videos.  If you have not... 

Nobody should be allowed to make accusations without providing evidence. 
I tell you honestly and truthfully that fraudulant information is being
sent to the federal government, and that the council is less compliant now
then when it was before I recieved the letter. 
  
This was probably not your intention, but you just sent a message that if
anyone on that council tries to follow the law and dares to advocate for
the rights of people with disabilities...even to be heard....they will be
removed. 
 
and you placed me in a situation I could not win...allowed my reputation
to be slandered with out requiring evidence, and shot at the wrong people. 
People willing to work with you without fiscal conflict or a hidden
agenda.  My agenda is not hidden and never was. 

Despite what the letter said, I have and always will have the best
interest of the people that I represented at heart...I was not there
speaking solely for myself, I actually did travel around indiana and
talked with the people...and listened to what the people had to
say...because I believed and still believe they matter.  Honestly hoping
the situation will improve for people with disabilities and willing to
work towards that goal. 
 
In the meantime, I am still interested in the emergancy evacuation plan of
the government building in case of fire as it may be useful for me to know
in the future. I would still also appreciate a written policy as to how
you are going to make sure that qualified members without fiscal
conflicts will be appointed to the council, and that all persons will have
to go through the same proceedures. 

Thank you, 
Ramona

____________________________________________________________

Videos of meetings online at http://www.everybodycounts.org/icoil.htm 

Ramona Harvey

We the people with disabilities can think for ourselves.  We can ask our
own questions and come to our own decisions.  We know what it is like to
be treated differently, and we know what it is like to be excluded because
we cannot get in the door or becau se people are afraid we will be hurt. 
We are important.  Our lives, needs, and dreams are important and we
deserve respect.  We are just like every other person driving down the
road. We demand our needs be met and that we be included in the decisions
that impact our lives - we do not wish to sit on the sidelines anymore
and watch others play.  We want to be allowed on the playground just like
anybody else. Support the empowerment campaign
www.onecandream.com/empowerment_campaign.html