Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - WSI's Long submits 18-page rebuttal

WSI's Long submits 18-page rebuttal

Feb 05, 2008 - 04:05:28 CST

By CRYSTALR. REID
Bismarck Tribune

The ongoing public battle between a suspended whistleblower and the state's workers' compensation agency lurched forward Monday when the whistleblower submitted an 18-page rebuttal to the agency's accusations of poor performance and mismanagement.

Jim Long, chief of support services for the embattled Workforce Safety and Insurance, submitted the letter to the agency, media and nearly all legislators at 10:30 Monday morning, in response to a letter the agency's head, John Halvorson, sent to him late last week. Halvorson's letter requested Long to submit a written response to the organization regarding several allegations of performance issues, so the agency may assess his "future employment situation."

Long refuted all of Halvorson's allegations, saying there seemed to be no documentation to support any of the accusations. Long quoted one of his performance reviews, which said, "Iam not sure how to heap enough praise and points for Jim under this section ... . WSIis a significantly better place because of Jim."

Mark Armstrong, WSIcommunications executive, said agency was considering Long's letter and would not be able to respond for "some time."

Long was put on paid administrative leave in mid-November, shortly after submitting several documents outlining perceived violations to the Burleigh County state's attorney. Tim Wahlin, WSI legal counsel, sent an e-mail to Long on Nov. 15 notifying him of his employment status.

"It has been determined that, under the circumstances, your continued effectiveness has become compromised to the point that we must step back and regroup," Wahlin wrote.

Long later requested explanation regarding his employment status; on Wednesday, Halvorson issued a letter that alluded to inappropriate employee boundaries, relationships with board members and other members of management, to which Long responded point by point.

"Today my objective is to have the conduct Ibelieved amounted to criminal violations investigated by a neutral and professional party, and if the investigation confirms my beliefs, I want to see the offending parties disciplined, prosecuted or otherwise brought to justice,"he wrote.

He specifically addressed the allegation that he never brought his concerns or issues, outlined in the document given to prosecutors, to WSImanagement.

"Ireported my suspicions, beliefs and findings through my chain-of-command and appropriate peers,"he wrote, listing eight executives and board members total.

He also continued to question why he was never told of the poor leadership and management issues that Halvorson described.

"You know very well that employees are not normally suspended or fired without warnings and a history of bad performance,"he wrote.

"You know very well that good managers attempt to work with employees to correct performance deficiencies and resort to suspension or termination only after good faith attempts to remedy the deficiencies have failed."

Long challenged WSI officials to come up with a legitimate case against him, saying their letter had no facts to support the conclusions.

Ultimately,Long said, Halvorson's letter was a wash and an attempt to lay the groundwork before firing him.

"The thing about it is, the only thing that changed was me doing what Iwas supposed to do,"Long said in an interview with the Tribune. "That was me blowing the whistle."

Five employees have filed for whistleblower protection from WSI, the state's workers' compensation agency, citing concerns of retaliation for reporting a myriad of issues. "Whistleblower" is the term given to a section of the state's Public Employees Relations Act that shields workers from being fired for reporting certain job-related violations.

One whistleblower, Todd Flanagan, was fired in early December.

Click here to view a copy of the letter.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune .com.)

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Comments

pay the people wrote on Feb 10, 2008 6:52 AM:

" WSI should pay the 5 whistle blowers what they are asking for, restructure the entire place from the top down and move on. Mr. Armstrong you lost my vote for any elected position you decide to run for. "

Clearer all the time. wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Boy it is more obvious every day why Tag Anderson form the Attorney General's office was trying to distance himself from these WSI decisions. Smart guy that Tag.

Wonder if Jodi has figured out her question "why are you writing these things, you already told us the same thing." Tag must not have trusted your memory Jodi. Wanted to make sure he had it in writing. Was it a trust thing? "

Get Real wrote on Feb 9, 2008 11:40 AM:

" This situation would be hilarious if it didn't affect people's lives. WSI and its current management team (Halvorson, Armstrong, Mary M, and of course that wonderful legal team that is taking over teh place-Bjornson, Forward and Wahlein) have zero credibility so you won't find a logical, reasonable and plausible excuse for giving someone a great evaluatuon and an above average salary increase while now claiming he was about to be fired. The simple reason is that it now suits Halvy and the legal team's purpose (get rid of Long) and so they will toss it out there and fake surprise when no one believes them. Long certainly is no choir boy in all of this, but at least he found his conscience. That's a bigger miracle than Bjornson's sudden independent memory recollection. "

Second Letter wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:29 AM:

" WSI has had time to make up a few more stories about the whistleblower. According to the story in today's paper they gave the Trib a copy of a separation agreement they drew up in October, before he filed for whistleblower protection. Long says he has never seen it. This should be an easy one to investigate. The trib should ask for the computer records showing the automatic date stamp created when the document was written. That wouldn't prove they showed it to Long, but it would give WSI a little more credibility if it was created when they say it was. WSI needs to answer for their salary review practices. If all these things are true about Long, why weren't they included in his annual review. Instead they wrote he was a commendable staff member and gave him a 4.5% raise. Which is true? If they say that Long was on the verge of termination, why did they give him such a good review and raise. Is it because that is WSI's practice of glossing over all executives so they can get the highest increases in the agency? Halvorson wants answers. Maybe he should be giving them. The Governor asked for a human resource management review that is being done at a cost of a couple hundred thousand dollars. I hope their report explains the paradox WSI has created. If Long really had all these performance issues, why is there nothing in his file? Halvorson throws out alot of innuendo, but it would be nice to see actual documentation written at the time of these so-called events. Not created now based on recollections or imaginations. "

on da street wrote on Feb 8, 2008 2:56 PM:

" Word is Long got another letter from WSI. What does that one say? "

Been in his shoes wrote on Feb 7, 2008 3:21 PM:

" After many years and flawless performance reviews I was told "we no longer need your services"...no other reason given. I was communicating with a board member which is why I believe I was let go. The board was negligent in monitoring illegitimate expenses of the CEO and audit reviews could not catch what was going on due to the methodology used of pulling only sample expenses for review....a hit or miss deal. To this day I wish I had gone public and fought for my job and principals as Jim is doing. I reported all to the funding sources and in the end the CEO was let go, Thanks for serving your Country two times, Jim. "

oz wrote on Feb 7, 2008 2:05 PM:

" To Oz ll:

Sandy was not my golden boy. I wrote for his termination two months before his mutal agreement to resign. Mr Long will never see the inside of WSI again. They will have the HR department employees testify at his hearing. Why do you think the head of HR has been so quiet? "

Oh Oz II wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:28 PM:

" Since you brought up University of Mary, I'll point out that Long also has two masters degrees and a bachelor's degree from the University of Mary. Get over yourself. "

Oh Oz... wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:57 AM:

" Your Golden boy hired Long, he must have thought the Phd was worth plenty.

Semper fidelis - Jim is being faithful. To WSI's core values. Did you see "A Few Good Men"? At the end of the movie one Marine turns to the other and addresses the question about only following orders. He says something about Marines are supposed to protect those that can't protect themselves.

Jim's being a good Marine and presents a good example for all of us. Lead on Jim, lead on. "

oz wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Semper fidelis, semper fi, the Marine Corps brotherhood slogan. Latin for" always faithful." Obviously forgotten by Mr Long. Boundry problems with a subordinate. Put it in military language RED FLAG Sarge, RED FLAG!

Would you rather hire a PHD acquired from NDSU or UND or pay big money to someone whose claim to fame is from Cappella University? University of Mary or Capella? "

to perception wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:06 AM:

" Long's doctoral disseration is published on UMI - I looked it up. They only publish works from legitimate, accredited universities. Most colleges have seen about 1/2 of their students moving to online classes in order to accommodate work schedules and jobs. "

Carl Young wrote on Feb 6, 2008 10:13 PM:

" Perception,
If you go to the Capella University website at http://www.capella.edu/online_learning/elearning_capella_index.aspx, you can take a week long sample course for free to get an idea of how fake it is...

Let everyone know what you think. "

perception wrote on Feb 6, 2008 7:42 PM:

" aren't all online degrees fake? "

sn68 wrote on Feb 6, 2008 10:17 AM:

" just read Long's 18 pages. His case appears solid. You can't back pedal on good performance reviews. And if there is documented evidence, why isn't it in his personnel file? Retaliation, plain and simple. Wonder what the status is on the other whistleblowers, and how come they are so quiet. "

Kimberly wrote on Feb 6, 2008 9:53 AM:

" For "18 pages" and other naysayers, blow your smoke in another direction. Anything Long says can be checked out. If there is back up to support it, that says it all. The only "crap" in these blogs are the comments without the back up. Regarding Armstrong's comment, that's probably code for "we'll need time to make up things to negate Long's letter and back up what we've said." They'll probably try to get employees to say negative things, at fear of losing their own jobs. "

carl young wrote on Feb 5, 2008 11:01 PM:

" I attend the same school where Dr. Long received his PhD, and I can assure you that it is not fake. I resent the implications that anyone who says otherwise is making. Jim Long has done nothing to you. He is standing up for what is right. If you want to speak negatively, why hide your name. Why not put your name out where everyone can see who you are? That is what Jim Long has done. Go find something else to complain about. "

Once a Marine always a Marine wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:41 PM:

" Carry on the core values Jim!
The Marine Corps strives to produce not only the best warriors, but also the best people—men and women who live by the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

Honor
Marines act responsibly in a mature and dependable manner. They are held to the highest standard of ethical and moral behavior. In the Marines, honesty, honor, and respect for oneself and others is built into our very foundation.

Courage
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the ability to face fear and overcome it. It is the mental, moral, and physical strength that is ingrained in Marines. It carries them through every challenge, and aids them in facing the unknown.

Commitment
Commitment is what compels Marines to serve our country and the Corps. It is what drives them to face every mission head-on, and win our nation's battles.
"

You can't think things through wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:11 PM:

" It will serve you better not to make light of a man's service to our country. It only makes you sound like a petty frat boy throwing a hissy fit.

I'd like to write more, but my complete distain for you would result in the on line editor having no choice but not to post my comment. "

Marine Corps Trivia wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:53 PM:

" This Marine Corp stuff is interesting, so I did look it up.

Here is what I learned, "Overshadowed by the events in the Persian Gulf during 1990-91, were a number of other significant Marine deployments demonstrating the Corps' flexible and rapid response. Included among these were non-combatant evacuation operations in Liberia and Somalia and humanitarian lifesaving operations in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and northern Iraq." (http://www.usmc1.us/)

I still don't get that green shirt bit, though. "

Huckleberry wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:31 PM:

" TO: In combat. You say you were in the Marines but you are attacking one of your own. I served with a lot of Marines and NEVER and I mean NEVER heard them attack one another about being part of the 'Core! Maybe you are confusing your time with the Ohio Boy Scouts... "

Electrician? wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:16 PM:

" He says he was an electrician. I didn't know any of the managers at WSI ever had to work for a living before. Its about time. "

Large Marge wrote on Feb 5, 2008 6:35 PM:

" It's too bad more people don't have the church bells to fight like Long is. This whole city needs a huge shake up - the corruption reeks from end to end. Try to be a contractor in this city - the work is all "sewn up" by the companies in the shirt pockets of the local "officials". And I use the term loosely. Corrupt corrupt corrupt. "

Seattle Chick wrote on Feb 5, 2008 6:15 PM:

" I support you Mr. Long! You definitely RAWK in my book! "

To Combat Jim [dot, dot, dot] wrote on Feb 5, 2008 5:59 PM:

" You can name yourself...whoever you want...but you have...a...tendency to use the same...punctuation quirks...when you comment... So when you comment...about your brand of swill...anyone with a brain in there head...knows its coming from you. Any person who knows anything...about the military...(obviously not you)...knows two things...about combat. When you go to combat...you need to take stuff that gets broken. Second...all people in our armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard) are first and foremost...in the infintry. That why they call...the jobs...occupation SPECIALTIES... Please go back to Ohio...and spread you venum their... "

Look it Up wrote on Feb 5, 2008 5:53 PM:

" Lyberia. Green Shirt.

Look it up. There's your real story. Sad attempt to slam again. "

File Says wrote on Feb 5, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Combat Action Medal. Helicopter Mechanic. "

LJ wrote on Feb 5, 2008 5:33 PM:

" To Combat Jim. You better read it again. I read about a combat action medal he recieved. I am not sure what the criteria is for recieving this medal but I suspect it may have something to do with being in combat. "

Combat Jim? wrote on Feb 5, 2008 4:49 PM:

" I read Long's file...he was an maintenance guy in the Marine...doesn't show he was in combat. What's the deal, what's the real story? "

ndakota wrote on Feb 5, 2008 4:18 PM:

" I believe that Mr. Long is doing what he needs to do to protect his overall character. the people who wish to condemn him with their negativity seem to have nothing better to do with their lives other then TRY make others people's lives as pitiful as their own. let the guy speak up for himself and see what happens, although i do believe Mr. Armstrong is a "punk" and should be fired as well, he seems to be getting away with anything, if we had any kind of leadership with our state government, we wouldn't have this kind of mess. "

Long for CEO wrote on Feb 5, 2008 1:02 PM:

" and lets start over. "

give it up. wrote on Feb 5, 2008 1:00 PM:

" the negative post are uncalled for. They will not and can not see truth. Jim, there are so many on your side. I thank you for your serves to ND. "

Character Assassination wrote on Feb 5, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Ah...it didn't take long for the character assassins to come after Long. His personnel file is posted on northdecoder.com so you can see his DD-214. And listed is a medal for "Combat Action". To "I was in Combat" do you think that he made up his DD-214 as well? I really believe that WSI is underestimating Long. He got 'em pinned but he occassionally lets 'em up for enough time for them to say something else stupid. Read the 18 page document. Long thrashes WSI. "

Angry? wrote on Feb 5, 2008 11:22 AM:

" It is a crime for ND Public Officials to claim false academic credentials. If you think Long has a “diploma mill” degree, that information should be turned over to the authorities. If you claim he is not a veteran or a combat veteran, that information should be open on his DD214.

I suggest you post proof of your claims that he is a liar on both counts post-haste.
"

I was in Combat wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:24 AM:

" I was in the Marines. And I served in combat. Funny thing is, usually the guys that actually served in combat don't have to talk about it. For Dr. (Oh and I got my degree from a paper mill) Long he keeps telling us about his combat experience, however the reality is probably far from that if anyone checks it out. "

Long Time wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:05 AM:

" Mark Armstrong, WSIcommunications executive, said agency was considering Long's letter and would not be able to respond for "some time."
Gee, I'll bet it will Mark. It takes awhile for 'ethical attorneys' to turn the color black into white. And if you can get the AG and his 'nuetral staff' to put on sunglasses you got er made.
"

jorkar wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:37 AM:

" WoW!!! Keep your head in the game Jim. You have my support! "

WSI resonse????? wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:23 AM:

" I cant wait to see WSIs print a response to this letter, although it I guess will take "some time." Although I am wondering what WSI means by “some time”? Do they mean another 3 months or so, or maybe longer? I am sure this agency needs “some time” to make a response, due to they will have to have time to create, shred, and fabricate enough evidence to fire Mr. Long , now that they know from his info exactly what to look for to correct in WSIs favor to be justified in being able fire him.
"

18 Pages wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:04 AM:

" 18 pages and he still doesn't say anything. What a joke, obviously you don't have to be able to communicate effectively when you get a fake online doctorate degree. Can we end this, fire him and move on, but Long will drag this out with more crap. Jim if you are such a believer in the board and executive leaving including yourself than just leave. Only traitor try to take the ship down with them. "

mark wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:39 AM:

" Good For Him ! He'll probably find it doens't work to go against a big operation though... sorry to say... "

Forward Observer wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:35 AM:

" It's too bad no one in State government has the guts to lead the way and rectify this mess. This kind of situation wouldn't be tolerated in the private sector.... In fact, if ND wasn't a monopoly workers compensation insurance State and employers were allowed to choose an insurance carrier, all of this probably woudn't make the news because WSI would be a small organization consisting of about a dozen employees. "

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