Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Whistleblower must ask WSI for his job back, AGsays

Whistleblower must ask WSI for his job back, AGsays

Nov 25, 2007 - 04:05:42 CST

By CRYSTALR. REID
Bismarck Tribune

A Workforce, Safety and Insurance employee who was suspended from WSI can't be reinstated by the attorney general.

Jim Long, chief of support services at WSI who was put on administrative leave more than a week ago, on Tuesday requested the attorney general reinstate him to his position.

"At this point, the specific remedy I am looking for is to simply be able to go back to work to do my job,"Long wrote in a letter to Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

Tag Anderson, assistant attorney general, responded in a letter dated Wednesday.

"This office does not have authority to direct the personnel decisions at WSI or any other agency,"Anderson wrote. "Special Assistant Attorneys General at WSI are fully aware of the law under N.D.C.C. chap. 34-11.1 and I assume they have outlined those obligations to those individuals who have authority to make personnel decisions at WSI. Any request for reinstatement should be directed to WSI."

The North Dakota Century Code chapter referred to covers protection from retaliation for state employees who report illegal activity within their agency.

WSI attorney Tim Wahlin had notified Long of his suspension through an e-mail, saying Long's effectiveness on the job "has become compromised to the point that we must step back and regroup."

Long believes his suspension is retaliatory for his participation in an ongoing investigation into WSI, which included the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation executing a search warrant on another executive's office. A personal journal was removed from the office.

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Comments

Interested wrote on Dec 1, 2007 4:11 PM:

" For Heritage: I believe Mr Blunt was treated poorly by the legal system that rushed to hand down indictments when the evidence of his and Ms Leingang's alleged mis-deeds was anything but certain. I am not counting out the appeal, since it is part of the legal process. My question to you is what will you say if the Supreme Court agrees with Judge Wefald ? Also, I was reading another blog and noticed some dialogue you posted about reserves at WSI going down. Someone asked you to back up the remark with some facts. Last time I read that blog, you had not offered any response. What's up?? "

Blanket Party wrote on Dec 1, 2007 3:31 AM:

" So what is new here. Think I saw this on a Cagney movie. In the big house all snitches get a blanket party. Then the drive by snipers all get a shot. Maybe the problem is the fact that WSI bosses and serfs all work in a warm safe office. Maybe they should occasionally be rotated to jobs where people occasionally get injured. And maybe disabled people should occasionally get a chance to work in a nice warm place like the WSI offices. I think a casual investigation (in any state) would show that WSI discriminates against hiring disabled employees. I think excessive loyalty is sometimes a bad thing. Why is it that some people cannot work anywhere except warm offices where everyone is extremely loyal? If a particular serf has issues and constantly is criticizing his feudal lord then he needs to be sold or banished. But if the employee has no history of undercutting supervisors then a closer look at everyone is in order. OJ Simpson was innocent the first time because he could afford a dozen lawyers. We are locked into adversary systems where one side exaggerates and the other better be able to afford someone who is good at exaggerating in his behalf. Who won in the OJ Simpson trial. Almost everyone won because we saw that Los Angeles crime lab had been saving money by not buying new equipment and using new procedures. We all won because we saw how many in the Perry Mason addicted public thinks the prosecutor is the guy who is always wrong. We saw that everyone involved, police, prosecutors, defense lawyers, judge, jury, crime scene investigators, all had personal flaws and very human traits. Meanwhile the proof of prior pertinent issues, that was locked in the safe deposit box, was overshadowed by the hype. "

Anti Frank wrote on Nov 30, 2007 5:47 PM:

" To Frank, please, more of this crap from you? I think the fact that the Board has hired 4 directors in the last 8 years is an indictment of the board and not something that shows Blunt has done something right. The first director (Traynor) certainly deserves credit for all he did with the agency. The next director (Kramer) was terrible and had to be fired. The next director (Edison) also had to be fired. Then along comes Blunt and he has seen turnover triple, rejected claims rise and has been charged with three felonies. Two independent audit reports commented on his poor management style and a WSI-hand picked consultant stated that almost 2/3's of the current staff want him fired. So exactly what type of perverted rationale can be used to say he must have done something right. This is a state agency and no state agency in this state has had four directors over 8 years and no state agency would brag about a director who has stayed an entire 3 years (remember 6 months was paid leave). The public is getting the entire story here and most of us are believing the truth, Blunt is an arrogant egomaniac who doesn't like rules, Indvik and the rest of the board are impotent and Keiser and other legislators have too much pride and ego to admit they were wrong. "

Avid Reader wrote on Nov 30, 2007 7:04 AM:

" Heritage: WHo do you make the information available to? I have had a mountain of evidence that shows illegal activity of another state agency. Made numerous complaints to the disciplinary boards, legislators, AG and the directly to the Governor. Can't get anyone to listen or look. Our state government really does have alot of political corruption in it, and it rolls down from the top. "

Heritage wrote on Nov 29, 2007 5:56 PM:

" interested, don't count out the charges on appeal just yet, we don't know for sure how those have turned out. I have a question, do you think Blunt is clean in all this and that all these things are a conspiracy against him? Doesn't Blunt have any responsiblity? I agree that Joel Heitkamps show is not really objective, but then neither is Scott Hennen's when he states he only want to get the truth out but so far has only interviewed Steve Cates, Mark Armstrong, George Keiser, Sandy Blunt and Robert Indvik. It runs both ways. "

interested wrote on Nov 29, 2007 4:28 PM:

" If Mr Long has evidence regading malfeasance by board members, he should make his allegations known to someone, not just toss it out in a radio talk show. The Joel Heitkamp show is probably not the most objective outlet to make his concerns known. I understand he has a 30 page document he has compiled on his allegations. Wonder when the States Attorney's office (Feland again) will finish looking at it ? If there is alleged malfeasance by a board member, I am sure Ms Feland will approach the case with the same skill she exhibited when handling the so far unproven charges against Mr Blunt and Ms Leingang. We all know how skillfully those cases were handled. "

Why bother? wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:02 AM:

" I agree, what good is whistle blower protection if you can't be protected. Is this another one of our looks good doesn't function good laws? I can't believe the AG's office can't do anything, since the protection was filed through his office. What the heck! I know people that work at WSi too and they just want someone to step in...or to step up! How much longer do they have to work in limbo and in conflict? Part of their morale problems belong to the state. No one has their backs. The Executives like Blunt and Armstrong run wild...unsupervised...not accountability...not direction ...no real interest in what's best for the employees or they'd clear the air. They'd come clean. They'd be real.. From what I hear Long started doing that before he was put on leave. Apparently, they frown upon this. "

Assistant AG gave bad advice wrote on Nov 28, 2007 4:37 PM:

" The Assistant AG gave Mr. Long very Bad Advice - his advice - barring that he would do nothing - should have been to file a complaint with the Department of Labor. On the DofL website there is a form to fill out for just such a situation. The Assistant AG should have told Mr. Long that - but - as is the case in most of the Government here in ND - don't ask don't tell - I'm sure the Assistant AG got a thrill not telling Mr. Long the correct avenue to use. It's typical of the AGs office to say - we don't do that or we can't help with that to the citizens who protest illegalities within the Government - the AG and his staff do nothing for the citizens - absolutely nothing - even his web site says he won't do anything for a regular everyday taxpaying voting citizen. "

Mary K wrote on Nov 28, 2007 12:46 PM:

" Fire everyone. "

Kimberly wrote on Nov 28, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Flea, if this is accurate, then there might be even bigger problems than WSI. Frank, I hear what you're saying, but I don't think everyone loves the directors. I think this problem is something that has been building for awhile, and finally exploded - we just became aware of what the directors are doing/not doing. People like Blunt are the figureheads - the ones we normally see. As far as listening to WSI employees, I do know people working there, and they really aren't saying much about the current situation (other than it's embarrassing to be in the news all the time). However, prior to this, they have mentioned things related to the work environment, and it definitely did get worse with Blunt. I also heard comments about Armstrong (again, prior to the current mess). The morale studies are important because even though they are anonymous, often people don't trust that they truly are. As a result, they tend to be fearful doing the surveys, etc. involved. Also, people don't do them in groups, so it's not like they have that "group support" thing going, to bolster their confidence. The fact that this agency's people did speak up in those studies is a good indicator of the environment, in my opinion. "

Disappointed wrote on Nov 28, 2007 7:38 AM:

" Any whistleblower protection in ND government has now been revealed to be a complete farce. The head of the agency that the protection was filed against gets to decide if the whistleblower has a claim and can return to work or not and the AG is on stand-by to defend that? Unbelievable! "

Shame AG wrote on Nov 27, 2007 10:30 PM:

" The top lawman in the state can't protect a whistleblower? I guess thats a checkmate for corruption. Whats going on with this country? From the USAG on down to NDAG. If justice isn't served here you can bet the republican majority will make all state operations "agencies" headed by a "board" because they would be untouchable-accountable to no one. This dosen't sound like the America our fourfathers intended. Shame Shame. "

Flea wrote on Nov 27, 2007 7:52 PM:

" With all due respect, I have to disagree with the AG on this matter. I think it is an issue he should address. On yesterday's Joel Heitkamp program Long stated that one of the reasons he sent the letter to the AG is that WSI was using his Assistant Attorney Generals to retaliate against whistle blowers. He even said that the person who sent him his letter of suspension was an Assistant Attorney General. I think Stenehjem may have some responsibility to get his lawyers back in line now that his has been notified that they may be breaking the law and retaliating against whistle blowers. The ball is back in your court Wayne. "

Frank wrote on Nov 27, 2007 6:32 PM:

" Kimberly: I'm not implying anthing. It just seems to me that former directors must not have been doing a very good job because none of them lasted very long. They hire Blunt, 70+ employees leave or are fired, plus higher up management types, and suddenly people are calling him Hitler and the board seems fiercely behind Blunt to the point of people asking the board to resign and the governor take over WSI. I just think it's strange that everyone seems to love the do nothing directors and everyone hates Blunt. Even though he's lasted the longest in recent history. He must have been doing something right for the board to be that staunchly behind him. I just have to think the public is not getting the entire story. You can't really take the word of former or current employees without a grain of salt because there are only a very few speaking out against Blunt. You would think this is the perfect forum to spill the beans anonymously. "

Online Editor wrote on Nov 27, 2007 12:19 PM:

" What happened to my most to Mabel about current Boards and their Ethics Rules? It never posted - why? "

Kimberly wrote on Nov 27, 2007 11:09 AM:

" Frank, the reason leaders are removed is because what happens in an organization is tied to their ability to lead. If you are implying that the problems are actually tied to the employees (maybe the same ones), then I would assume that there would be consistent documentation on those employees (complaints, etc), showing them to be a problem. And, when you're brought in to clean up a mess, there's usually evidence that you have done this. In this case, the evidence points the other way. Flea, I agree - all bases would be covered. I don't doubt that they'll try to create performance issues, and probably bring in other employees to support that (probably at fear of losing their own jobs - I'm aware of other agencies where this has happened). Also, I don't think that people realize that whistleblowers tend to be in the minority. In other words, there are few people who will step forward and do this - it's very risky. Most people are inclined to do nothing, and hope for the best, or look for a different job. Long and the other whistleblowers could have done nothing, and played nice with Blunt, et al, with minimal to no risk to themselves. They chose not to. "

Frank wrote on Nov 27, 2007 10:22 AM:

" I think it's interesting that before Blunt came here, no one cared about WSI being run by the Governor. The legislature took that authority away. How many directors were hired and fired before Blunt? Apparently the public thought they were doing a good job, but they still got replaced. Blunt comes here to clean up a mess and now the Governor should take over because everyone thinks he's the reason for the current mess. Correct me if I am wrong, but the only constant in the entire WSI story, are the employees that were here before Blunt. I am not pointing fingers, just making an observation. "

Sam wrote on Nov 27, 2007 7:49 AM:

" If we all would take a look at the track record, We should also investagate Steve Berg and his involment when he was there. He was the man that showed us how to do the cover up. "

Heritage wrote on Nov 27, 2007 6:03 AM:

" To be careful, could the info not be subject to open records because of the potential liability against WSI for their retaliation against Long, so while no one can review the reasons, you take up WSI's tried and true tactics of blaming the messenger, making other to be the villian (and poor Blunt the victim)? Perhaps, just perhaps Risk Management said that WSI messed up big time again, its going to cost them and we better get ready. Its just another chance for the WSI supporters to blame everyone by Blunt and the inept board and to create yet another conspiracy. We the public no longer buy the spins put out by WSI. We the people are saying enough is enough, this joke of a management team and board need to go. Spin it however you want, you are only encouraging more and more people to sign the initiated measure. "

Carl Young wrote on Nov 26, 2007 11:34 PM:

" Just curious, I wonder how many of these posts came from within the workers comp offices... Yes, that information is tracked. I wonder if it is subject to open records requests....? "

Ugh wrote on Nov 26, 2007 10:25 PM:

" This stinks! "

Heritage wrote on Nov 26, 2007 9:20 PM:

" Could the reason the info isn't subject to open records is the potential liability WSI faces because of their actions in putting Long on administrative leave, but the Blunt supporters know that so they try to pin it on Long and others. The time has come, the public has seen past the smoke and mirrors that Blunt, Armstrong, Nallie, Hutchings, Halvorson, Bjornson, Indvik, Mandigo, Wald, Keiser, Rick Berg, Judy Lee, Scott Hennen and the main WSI cheerleader Cates try to put out to the public. Their blame everyone but Blunt has backfired on them. Since there is potential liability for the state, Risk Management takes over and seals the file, that is more than likely the reason its not subject to open records and you know it. The spinning/lying is coming to an end. But rather than come clean you come up with yet another conspiracy theory. "

To be careful wrote on Nov 26, 2007 8:46 PM:

" Your casting aspersions on Long isn't going to work. Sometimes it takes one to know one. Long was in the thick of it with the Blunt gang for quite awhile. He knows what they have done and has just begun to spill the beans. They are pushing him and it probably won't be to their advantage. He has said that he doesn't care if he has to get thrown out too, just so long as the corruption is uprooted. WSI's actions have just gone to show the public how vindictive and arrogrant upper management is. Their exec staff is bought and paid for and apparently will not draw the line at anything that is asked of them. Case in point, the DOT photo downloading and going around town asking questions about WSI workers. "

Flea wrote on Nov 26, 2007 7:48 PM:

" To Be Careful - Frankly your answer regarding Mr. Long comes up short. It actually sounds like you are defaming someone who has claimed whistleblower status. In fact, you sound like you work at WSI, because who else would know what issues are exempt from open records status? Really, if there was any dirt on Long, the WSI attorney's would have insisted on putting that language into the letter notifying him of his suspension. This way any allegations of whistleblower retaliation could have been partially refuted. But nothing was in this letter except for some vague reference to reevaluation of job duties (which is a violation of the whistleblower act in itself). This is just another example of a smear campaign against a whistleblower. Besides, you can say anything to attempt to create seeds of doubt about someone then say, "Only I know this because it is exempt from open records," - yeah right. Also, I'm sure after weeks of Long being on suspension WSI's has been busy attempting to "create" performance issues. It's important to remember that Long has already "lawyered up" so make sure anything that is brought forward can be proven, otherwise it might be defamation - CA-CHING! "

ND Transplant wrote on Nov 26, 2007 6:55 PM:

" WSI board member surfaces again. Nope, no Yellowbrick Road in ND and we aren't in Emerald City either. If Long was put on Adminsitartive leave due to job performance, that is an Open Record Law file. "

Board members? wrote on Nov 26, 2007 6:46 PM:

" I could have swore I heard Jim Long on the radio today saying board members were doing things that were illegal. Anyone know if that goes beyond open meeting violations? "

WSI opps wrote on Nov 26, 2007 6:32 PM:

" So this new government agency for ethics, would that be run by the government too? "

Be Careful wrote on Nov 26, 2007 6:14 PM:

" All of you who are supporting Mr. Long without any knowledge of what activities he undertook or participated in while at WSI maybe suprised at what he did to get put on administrative leave. Be careful who you chose to skip down the yellow brick road with, there is a reason the details are not subject to a public records request. "

Bewildered wrote on Nov 26, 2007 5:38 PM:

" All of this makes a person really wonder WHAT is going on here? "

To Mabel wrote on Nov 26, 2007 5:25 PM:

" And the governor will run it. "

Mabel wrote on Nov 26, 2007 1:00 PM:

" This State needs a new Government Department. This new department would be called the "Department of Ethics". The Department of Ethics would follow up and make recommendations of actions for Ethical violations caused by this States Government Agencies. ....There would never be a lack of work for this Department in ND! "

Kimberly wrote on Nov 26, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Novel Thought - Yes, I'm sure you're right. Everything that has happened is one big conspiracy against Blunt, et al. The morale studies, the investigations, etc. Disgruntled employees put their heads together and came up with this grand plan, and pulled in the governor and others to back them up. Let's assume this is true. If that's the case, they obviously have more leadership skills than the so-called leaders, since they not only were able to coordinate and persuade a big group within their agency, but their powers of persuasian have now extended out into the general public. "

Watching Closely wrote on Nov 26, 2007 11:26 AM:

" I'm watching this closely as are many others to see what takes place from this point forward. The Governor has now stepped in to right the wrongs, whatever they are. In short order we will all know. "

To: Novel Thought wrote on Nov 26, 2007 9:18 AM:

" First, the state Auditor's office exposed over $20,000 in money spent inappropriately. It appeared illegal, so the State's Attorney investigated. It either wasn't illegal or they don't have the evidence needed, but the fact remains it was inappropriate and wrong. Second, top management used DOT License photos during their witch hunt for the sender of an e-mail that exposed wages and bonuses of top management. Again, charges were dropped, so they may not have committed a crime, but that doesn't mean they are "innocent." These are misguided and wrongheaded people, whether criminals or not. They need to go. "

Here's a Novel Thought....quit posting wrote on Nov 26, 2007 9:16 AM:

" Bored...Armstrong or Sandy or Bob Indvik? Nice defending post of WSI, but the fact that you are now the only three people defending WSI's actions, pretty much gives it away that you are "Hey Here's a Novel Thought...". Yes Sandy and Romi may have been unfairly charged....blah, blah, blah...get over it. All the crappy things you are doing to whistleblowers like Jim Long and Kay Grinnsteiner can not be justified by your "poor poor Sandy and Romi" defense. These slights do not give you the right to do whatever you want now. This is not a game. The whistleblowers are your employees. Get your head out of the sand and quit looking out the window at the "conspiracy" against WSi. Start looking internally. Your people are demanding answers. Your people are looking for leaders. Step up. Quit trying to blame someone else and for once say..."Yep, we've made some mistakes in the past with sick leave, grants and 4 and 4. But instead of trying to pass them off, or punish people trying to do right...let's see what we can do to remedy things." Spinning belongs in an exercise class...not done by bozos like Armstrong. Man up, admit you've made mistakes and work with people like Jim and Kay on correcting them. Instead of putting Jim on leave and finding ways to make Kay look bad, work with them on making things right. This could earn you respect back in your agency and maybe even the public. The right thing is always the best "spin". The only good spin...is no spin. It's too bad Sandy has someone like Armstrong advising him otherwise. He needs a new PR person! "

Smithers wrote on Nov 26, 2007 8:50 AM:

" It's time to privatize Worker Compensation coverage in North Dakota. WSI should remain as a competitive State Fund. Give employers a choice of where to place their coverage. WSI would have to become competitive with its coverage offerings and get in line with the other states. A smaller government agency could only be a good thing. "

ND Transplant wrote on Nov 26, 2007 8:49 AM:

" I said it earlier in a post about the federal suit against DHS. The mentality of the State is "go ahead and sue us". The only way to get justice in this state is through the Federal Courts, so go ahead Mr. Long it's your only option. This latest fiasco with our government should really help bring new workers to our state. Way too mr. Hoeven and mr. Stenehjem. This action will really help keep a positive light on ND. "

to Novel Thought wrote on Nov 26, 2007 7:38 AM:

" you had your head in the sand lately? Because the way I understand it, these people weren't innocent at all. They did commit a crime. But since they supposedly acted on "bad legal advice" they got off. It does not mean they did not commit the crime. That should be the basis of the whistleblower protection. "

WSI wins again? wrote on Nov 26, 2007 12:14 AM:

" If I understand this right, Mr. Long has to go ask to return to work at the same place that put him on paid administrative leave? Amazingly enough they put him on leave just after this situation, but I am sure its just concidence, and has nothing to do with them being exposed as trying to cover something. Maybe if they get the other three out of the offices of WSI they will have plenty of time to figure out how to cover their tracks better, and get their stories straight on the issues. It must be hard to have a job that consists of high pay, pass the buck, and hope the board can make changes as needed on a vote to favor what ever actions they need, even if the changes are after the vote is taken. I am sure this is a pretty wide spread issue in WSI, with how to treat injured workers, so we should not just blame the upper brass on this, remember something rolls down hill. (well atleast thats what they told me in the Army) So maybe they should clean house from the claims managers on up to the top brass, even the board. Get on agency working like it should so that the injuried works it is suppose to be serving can work like they should. I just think a few in WSI need to maybe learn one question, "Would you like fries with that burger? sir" "

Do Nothing AG wrote on Nov 25, 2007 11:51 PM:

" The AGs office didn't have a problem defending UND in the silly nickname dispute, but they can't protect an employee? "

Hey, Here is a Novel Thought wrote on Nov 25, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Maybe, just maybe, Blunt et al are actually not corrupt at all and that it is a public mob mentality to want to lynch someone. Maybe some folks just want title and money so they go after others with lies. Maybe? Maybe we do not seem to care that two INNOCENT people were charged with crimes not committed and are about to enter their 13th month of continuous investigation by the State's Attorney's Office. Maybe, just maybe, we are trying to hang the wrong people? Na, that would require independent thought and an open mind to facts and you all would have none of that. Glad your only sphere on influence is buried deep here in the blogs and not out in the light of day. PS -- ND does not look bad because of WSI, it looks bad because of what it is trying to do as a society to demonize and criminalize innocent people at WSI with the Governor of the state leading the way with no knowledge of what he is saying beyond his own inflated ego. Just look at how many honest and incredibly accomplished and respected non North Dakotans have been run out of the state after the locals demolished their reputations. There are too many to seem like and accident, face it ND detests people not from ND. "

ND wrote on Nov 25, 2007 8:54 PM:

" Political Corruption at it's finest!!!!!!!! "

Carl Young wrote on Nov 25, 2007 6:22 PM:

" Mr AG, you do know that the voters of this state can make quick changes to who controls the power in the coming election. If the current leadership can't stand behind the laws of the state, then we as voters need to elect people who will. This is a travesty. Jim Long has requested protection through your office, and you decline to protect him? How about other the other whistle blowers? You are sending the wrong message here. Soon, corruption will be rampant in all state agencies including the one that you run. Maybe we need to a nod from Work Force Safety and Insurance attorney Tim Wahlin and notify the AG, his staff and the Governor that their effectiveness on the job has been compromised to the point that we need to step back and regroup. "

see the buck? wrote on Nov 25, 2007 4:46 PM:

" It's been passed again. If this is the kind of protection employees can expect, to be tossed out like a rotten salad, then don't expect workers to turn in corrupt officials. "

Kimberly wrote on Nov 25, 2007 4:41 PM:

" Seriously, Long is supposed to go back to WSI for his job? What is wrong with the officials in this state? Everything seems to go full circle, with this case - no one can do anything (or so they say), and all power is with this agency and its board? Does this truly make any sense? What other agencies are there that are run this same way? If everything is in the hands of the WSI board, where is the checks and balances? Why would this be set up this way? Unless, of course, the corruption goes higher? "

Corrupt Politics! wrote on Nov 25, 2007 2:15 PM:

" Welcome to North Dakota! The land of corrupt Judges, Attorney General, and a Governor. The politics are getting so corrupt in North Dakota that I am surprise there isn't an anarchy already materializing by the citizens and taxpayers of N.D. I look forward to many petitions going forth to change this corrupt Republican controlled government. Who did you vote for? "

I'm confused: wrote on Nov 25, 2007 12:44 PM:

" I thought this guy applied for some protection so bad things wouldn't happen to him because of the things he was doing. Didn't seem to help. Whatever he was doing must have been enough to override the little protection order, and now no one can help him to get back to work. Hmmm....he says he wants to go back to work and just do his job. What is that, anyway? Why wasn't he just doing his job all along, so he wouldn't be in this mess? All these little busy bodies who were trying to single handedly rid WSI of all the corruption seem to have added their own to it. "

ND Native wrote on Nov 25, 2007 12:13 PM:

" This truly is getting to be a blight on ND's image! "

deb wrote on Nov 25, 2007 11:27 AM:

" Louisiana politics have moved north! Welcome to the world of corruption... "

AG gives WSI the nod wrote on Nov 25, 2007 10:47 AM:

" Looks like the AG is giving the WSI attorneys his approval for their actions. The special assistant attorneys general (four of them at WSI) are given that status by the AG. If he isn't stepping in, it looks like he is giving his nod of approval. The remaining four whistleblowers will very soon follow Long now that the AG has given the nod. "

WD2 wrote on Nov 25, 2007 10:38 AM:

" This demonstrates there is something wrong with the system. Looks like the whistleblower is left out in the cold in Mr. Long's case. "

87wg wrote on Nov 25, 2007 10:04 AM:

" Gov. Hoeven needs to call a special session of the Legislature and get this agency under control. You can't wait until the next session because that's 14 months away -- plenty of time for more garbage to happen. Then WSI will dominate and other issues will get pushed to the side. So better to do it this January than next. "

Another Inefffective AG Stand wrote on Nov 25, 2007 9:53 AM:

" The Attorney General is supposed to uphold the State's Laws. Clearly the AG isn't interested in doing this - as his web page states he is only interested in protecting the State Agencies from the citizens (i.e., us) from lawsuits. Do you ever notice that the AG rarely actually answers a query himself? Unless, of course, it's an open records opinion. You write a letter to the AG and you get a response from an underling. The AG and the Governor have no interest in making sure the laws of this state are obeyed or that it's citizens - that's us folks - are treated acccording to the law. This is a travesty at it's best. At the very minimum, the AG should have required WSI to prove it's case on the suspension - to insure that NDCC is being followed - Just another reason why we should get this stuff out of the hands of government and into the hands of the private sector. "

Heritage wrote on Nov 25, 2007 8:36 AM:

" Another problem with the WSI structure, no elected official can do anything about WSI, the governor can't, the AG can't. Can't the Sandy Blunt behind kissing WSI board and inept Republicans see this. They are a rogue agency who is out of control at best and need to be stopped. The whistleblower law says someone can ask for protection from the ND AG's office, well Long did, and they can't do nothing (or maybe they don't want to do nothing for fear of upsetting their fellow Republicans). Like sands through the Hourglass, so the corruption at WSI continues to embarass the state of ND. Blunt needs to go, the board needs to go. "

Lost wrote on Nov 25, 2007 8:02 AM:

" Mr. Long should be able to go thru the state auditors office to get his job back. "

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