C.L.I.C.K. for Justice and Equality

From ancient Egyptian philosophers spoken and written of by Molefi Asante, Jacob Caruthers, Chiek Anta Diop and Psychologist Wade Noble; to ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; to Christian philosophers such as Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas and R.C. Sproul; to the shapers of modern thought such as Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Illinois Congressman Danny Davis and Dr. Terra Thomas; What are the consequences of each of these thinkers and other important thinkers’ ideas on world events, theology, the fine arts and culture? Are we, as a society, still scratching to survive our ideologies? Many of us work, interact and socialize with each other because we have too. There is a small percentage of those who do it because they want too. We draw racial and political boundaries to protect ourselves from being known for who we really are. What is your contribution to this trivia?

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Utica Illinois: Racism is alive and well

Update: March 3, 2009

This writing will be posted on President Obama’s website.

This is an e-mail I received from Ms. Robin. She gave me permission to post it on my blogs. Mr. President (President Obama) this woman should not have to live like this in America. It appears that local authorities, such as the Utica police department, Illinois State police, the District Attorney for Utica Illinois are turning a “blind”eye to this lady’s circumstances. How long must she go through this ordeal with a racist neighbor whose behavior is criminal in nature, along with violating Mr. Robin’s civil rights? Who will defend her honor and integrity? Can you assist her since no one else will? This is the e-mail Ms. Robin sent me. I did not edit it. How it reads, is how it came to me.

Hello Fred:

My apologies for taking so long to get back with you.  The day of the meeting in Jan. I received a call from the mayor, he asked me if my intentions were to still come to the city meeting that evening. I did tell him that I had all intentions of being there, and that is when he began to explain the problems that would arise by my attendance. He went on to say that if I attended that Mr Johnson would also be there and it would turn into a screaming match. I told him I do not have to scream to be heard. He also told me that it would be very hard for me to prove what I was stating, ( I suppose all the eye witnesses  would be meaningless) and that it would become a He said She said issue. He also in a gentleman way asked me not to attend but if I felt that by attending it might serve a purpose then I should come, but what he really was asking that I do not come. He said that anything that I needed to call him personally and he would take care of it.  Ha Ha, at this point I have to laugh at how things are dealt with here. I brought up in the conversation that I had to have a fence installed between our properties, and even if I placed it within 1 ft of my property I would be dealing with Mr Johnson’s attacks if I stepped on the other side to maintain the fence and any overgrowth along the fence line and what and how I would then have to deal with the city if I was not able to step around my fence to maintain it. I also brought to his attention the illegal No parking signs Mr Johnson had erected in front of his home ( the city came out the next morning and removed them ) There is also the fact that Mr. Johnson runs a business in a building on his property and I stated how that was unfair to others that run legal business in town that had to pay taxes and also they are in a commercial zoning and he was in a residential I brought up these things because I want to send a message to Mr Johnson that he is not above the law.

In a gentleman way he asked if I did not attend because of the discord that would take place. I reminded him I have been dealing with discord for more than one evening. A few days after the meeting I went into our local grocery store, while I was in there I ran into a neighbor from down my street and also a candidate that is running for mayor against our present one in the upcoming election. While I stood at the checkout he walked up and said to me “Hi neighbor, I didn’t see you at the city meeting in Jan. They had posted on the agenda that it was a discussion of you and Mr. Johnson,” I replied, that “due to the weather and that I had a conversation with the mayor the day of the meeting I decided not to go”. He then replied back, ” That’s all everyone in town is talking about, I was hoping to see a showdown between the two of you”, then went on to tell me that he had ran into Mr. Johnson in the same store recently, and thought he would not tell me what he said, but that he said some things to aggravate Mr. Johnson about me and then he left the store quickly, so the girl that works there at the store would have listen to Mr. Johnson ranting about his comments. He also told me that he along with other people find it funny of what has been going on between myself and Mr. Johnson”. I was so furious I could not talk. I thought how could anyone find this humorous?  I am happy to hear that there are people that live here including a neighbor who is running for mayor can sit and laugh at my expense over an issue that is serious. This shows me the mentality of how things are viewed here. This person’s name is Jimmy Shrader and with my conversations with him, shows me the immaturity that he has and is not capable to oversee even a small town such as ours.

Because the weather turned very bad that night I did not attend, but I have been taking measures that will not only prove legally what Mr. Johnson has been doing. New Years day my husband came home and was taking the garbage out. Mr. Johnson came running out of his house yelling at my husband ” pay backs are hell buddy” and you’re gonna get yours” My husband came in the house and asked what was he talking about. I did not hesitate I called the police, what Mr. Johnson was saying was a threat. Jerry from the K-9 unit responded along with the conservation and state police. Mr Johnson denied what he said which Jerry stated he always does. But I have not heard a word from Mr Johnson since.
 
When I was at the last meeting, I brought up that I was going to have a guard dog on my property and I wanted to know what breed would not be allowed according to the city ordinances. Jerry from the K-9 unit asked if I did get one to let him know.

In the meantime I have traveled to Ohio and bought a Doberman puppy that it being trained to be a family pet but also to be obedient to watch our property. I had a conversation with Jerry from the K-9 unit that I had gotten her and she was starting training. I also wanted him to be aware in case he would have to be called again to come to our house. I asked him to spend time with her also, so she is familiar with him. Right now she is 9 weeks old and is like having another 2 yr old in the house. I do want her to be approachable, but obedient. She is doing well at this time in her training and she will be not only a faithful family dog but also a dog that will not allow intruders to trespass.

I chose this breed as a psychological effect it will have when others approach us or our property, but also they are very good family dogs.  I am also having installed video surveillance alongside that faces Mr Johnson’s property. Once weather breaks my yard will be totally fenced in, unfortunate it will look like a fortress but some of this I do to send a message that I will not tolerate trespassers and it will block any views that Mr and Mrs Johnson from sitting in their windows watching to see what we are doing here on our property.
 
With all the interruptions while trying to get the house erected it caused a delay which affected my home loan which was cancelled out yesterday and I have to restart the whole loan process again. It was disheartening but I am not one to lie down and give up, so I am beginning the process of re-filing once again all my paperwork for the bank.
 
In the meantime I have had the builders of my home send me an intimidating letter which I then forward this to my attorney. I contacted them to tell them I was not going to tolerate tactics such as theirs and that under the advice of my attorney not to have any more contact with them.

Because of the many delays that have taken place, with my contractors while they tried to work around Mr. Johnson. My loan process went into 6 months sitting on a underwriters desk filed approved to no loan at all, and this after 3 missed closing dates. So now I am dealing with threats of legal actions from the builders while I began a new loan process.

I will get through it as many other obstacles that have come my way. But it does get tiresome.
I am not letting the city off the hook here. I am going to continue to hold them responsible to do their job. When the fence construction begins I have a video cam to tape the process and any outburst that might arise from it. The two officers that have been supportive of me told me the more paperwork I have it will give me the sources needed in the courts.

When all this is completed, I am going to look into any legal actions I may be able to take against Mr. Johnson that contributed to the delays in rebuilding. I do have some contractors that are working with me still and are very understanding with everything that has taken place here and are willing to go into court to testify.
 
So at this moment that is where things are. The quietness will only be until warm weather comes, that is his pattern.

Update: February 19, 2009

I will post Mrs. Robin’s e-mail in a few days.

February 19, 2009

Illinois State Police

Mr. Larry G. Trent, Director

801 South Seventh Street, Suite 1100-S

P.O. Box 19461

Springfield, Illinois 62794-9461

Re:       Racism in Utica Illinois – Mrs. Robin xxxxxx

Mr. Trent:

I am in receipt of your letter to me dated January 16, 2009 addressing the racial acts perpetrated against Mrs. Robin by her neighbor Mr. Dick Johnson in Utica Illinois. Your letter states in part “…According to the attorney for the city of North Utica, the complainant, Mrs. Robin, was scheduled to voice her allegations before the Mayor of Utica and the Village Board of Trustees on January 14, 2009. Mrs. Robin’s presentation to the Board is an appropriate course of action in seeking a resolution to this matter.” This is ludicrous and a miscarriage of justice.

 

I received another e-mail from Mrs. Robin reporting that Mayor Fred Esmond of Utica Illinois asked her not to attend this meeting. Mrs. Robin did not attend the meeting. Mr. Dick Johnson’s racist behavior continues. If this was a black man perpetrating this racial hatred to a family, your office or any police official would have arrested him. They would not tell the victim to attend a public Village Board meeting to address their issues. What Mr. Johnson has done to Mrs. Robin and her family is criminal in nature.

 

Since U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has had the courage to stand up and address racism in the United States, I will forward all material I have submitted to you (all e-mails from Mrs. Robin), your letter to me and this letter to you. I will send to you with this letter the most recent e-mail, since you have all of the other material listed above, that I received Mrs. Robin regarding her issues of racial disparities and indifferent treatment with law enforcement in Utica Illinois.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

Social Policy Analyst

P.O. Box 93

Thornton, Illinois 60476

 

cc:        U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

            Mr. Larry G. Trent, Director Illinois State Police (U.S. mail & fax)

            Mr. Ed Kelly, Assistant State’s Attorney, LaSalle County, Ottawa Illinois (fax)

Update: January 27, 2009

Update: January 3, 2009

Hello Mr Nance

 

In Dec. I did not make the deadline to turn in my agenda for the Dec city counsel meeting, however I did attend and was able to speak at the end of the meeting about the issue with my neighbor and what could be done to stop it.

 

While I addressed the issue of the conflict of interest with the chief of police, he left the room, however there was another police officer that was there and also assured me he would be watching out for me. Things became very quiet here until this last week.

 

After talking to 2 contractors almost begging them to finish up my siding on my home so I could get the appraiser here, neither would do it due to the fact of the neighbor, so this past tues. I was able to get a contractor from downstate IL to come up and finish the work. While they were unloading their supplies in the back which at this time the only access to my home is from the alley.

 

Mr. Johnson called the police complaining about the alley blocked which in fact there was plenty of room for the police officer to drive around their truck. I let it go and kept my self focused on tying up loose ends that needed to be done before the appraiser came yesterday. However Mr Johnson had an incident which I was not aware of until my husband went outside thurs to pick up any left over pieces from the siders.

 

Mr Johnson came out in his yard screaming at my husband telling him he knew we threw dog feces on his truck and that he assured my husband ” paybacks are hell buddy and you’re going to get yours.” I did not hesitate I called LaSalle county and the Utica, conservation and state police came. I explained to them that Mr Johnson said he had an incident and that he was going to retaliate against us.

 

I am unsure if there even was an incident due to the fact the police did not even know about it, We told them that the last thing  we are going to do it give the man any reason to harass us. Jerry who is the K-9 unit went over and told Mr Johnson he was not going to threaten nor accuse us of something he had no knowledge of who did it.  Jerry did come back over and told me that he was going to file the report and he made it very clear that I needed the paper trail if I am going to get Mr Johnson to stop the harassment.I did obtain information from one of our local business people that this past summer the police chief gave a written notice to a lady in town that was yelling at a construction worker  working in front of her house.

 

Mr Bernadoni did tell the lady if she did it again she would go to jail. However he does not apply that to his friend Mr Johnson. My agenda will be coming up in the Jan meeting and I will be there to ensure something is done.When a person tells me that they are going to get even, I take that as a threat and I am not going to sit and wait to see what the man does. I am going to try and head things off before they happen.We were also told thurs by the police Mr Johnson is not going to stop and that this coming spring he will more than likely get worse while we are outside.  I am not going to allow this man for one more day make me fear of going outside even if it is to my car. I have dug my heels in and I am now focused to stop him.

 

I have realized he has some serious issues and it is though he is obsessed with creating problems. I realize I have to shove his issues back to him and not place them on us. One thing I am addressing to the board of why Mr Johnson is allowed to run a business in a building that is in a residential zone, without a licenses. I have a list of illegal city ordinances that Mr Johnson has on his property so I will use this to send a message that I will not tolerate what he is doing and that he is not above the law.

 

I am contacting a civil attorney to see what exactly I can do in the court system to bring Mr Johnson in front of a judge. Not only has Mr Johnson caused distress he has also cost me monies of three missed closing dates with the bank due to contractors walking off the job because of him screaming at them.  So I am in the process of putting my case together against him.

 

Thank you for emailing me and checking to see how things are going. I will keep you updated to what seems a never ending issue. May God Bless you and your family this New Year.                 -

 

Robin-

Update: December 9, 2008

 

Illinois State Police
Office of the Director
Director Larry G. Trent
801 South Seventh Street
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9461
 
Mr. Trent:
 
Would you please conduct a formal investigation into the allegations set forth in the email correspondence I received from Ms. Robin xxxxxx? Since the Illinois LaSalle County Sheriff’s office and the Utica Illinois Chief of Police are at the center of the allegation, I believe it may be inappropriate for them to investigate themselves. Please respond. Thank You.
 
I faxed this correspondence with the emails to the Office of the Director Larry G. Trent. I will post this update on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/, http://click.townhall.com/, http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/ and www.frednance.newsvine.com/ where this writing is originally posted.

 

Update: December 9, 2008

 

I sent certified mail to Utica Illinois Chief of Police Joseph Bernadoni requesting an investigation into this matter. I will send the Illinois State Police Director, Larry G. Trent, the letter addressed to Mayor Fred Esmond of Utica Illinois requesting an investigation due to the bias and prejudice of the Chief of Police involved in this matter.

 

Update: December 8, 2008

 

I have received confirmation correspondence from the Honorable States Attorney Brian J. Towne of the Office of the State’s Attorney LaSalle County, Illinois acknowledging receipt of my fax dated December 1, 2008. The correspondence suggest the “…duty of this office to bring criminal charges in court against perpetrators after a thorough investigation of a crime has been completed….”

 

It appears there has not been a criminal report filed with the Office of the State’s Attorney LaSalle County Illinois. The correspondence states “…In the above matter we have received no investigation reports and therefore have nothing to act on….” The Honorable Brian J. Towne suggest his office will file charges if they receive reports indicating a crime has been committed and it has sufficient evidence to pursue.

 

I have not heard anything from the Mayor of Utica Illinois, Mr. Fred Esmond. I have not heard anything from the Village Trustee Tom Guerrero who sits on committees responsible for the police, public health and safety. I have not heard anything from the LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton. In an attempt to send this letter by fax to the Utica Illinois Chief of Police Joseph Bernadoni, I get a message requesting I leave a message for him. I will mail a copy of this letter to the Utica Illinois Chief of Police Joseph Bernadoni requesting an investigation.

 

Update: December 4, 2008

I have placed the Utica Illinois alleged racism writing on President-Elect Barack Obama’s website (posting titled “Racism in Illinois: What will the President-Elect do about it?). This is posted on the right side of my blog titled http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/. See this update on my blogs at: http://click.townhall.com/, http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/ and http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

I am requesting President-Elect Obama address racism in Illinois, particularly and specifically, Utica Illinois and the Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan Illinois. President-Elect Obama should select a sub-committee from his cabinet to address racism, disparate and indifferent treatment and separatism in his own State of Illinois along with encouraging lawmakers in the State of Illinois to enforce the current laws on the books that deal with these issues. The woman, her child and her family in Utica Illinois should be free from the tyranny of racism.

This woman’s neighbors have asked her why did she wait so long to make this public. She delayed reporting these nefarious incidents because of the fear of retaliation and oppression from the “elite” and oppressive social, legal and judicial structure of Utica and LaSalle County Illinois. This woman informed me she was encouraged to report this racism and abuse because of my writings on the subject of racism, which is on my blogs regarding my employment nightmares of racism and oppression at Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan Illinois. There have been many complaints in the past about the racist and oppressive government, legal and judicial structure of LaSalle County Illinois. This is exampled here where the legal and judicial structure have broken down in their assistance to this woman and her family to be free from the racist oppression and indifferent treatment of the Utica Chief of Police and LaSalle County Illinois’ legal system.

December 1, 2008

Village of North Utica Illinois
Honorable Mayor Fred Esmond
801 S. Clark Street
Utica, Illinois 61373

Mr. Mayor:

On Friday, November 28, 2008, at approximately 6:24 pm and Sunday, November 30, 2008 at approximately 4:12 pm I received emails responding to a writing I have on one of my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/. This writing was from a resident of Utica Illinois. The resident, Ms. Robin, reports your Chief of Police, Joseph Bernadoni, is supporting racism, harassment and intimidation by not enforcing the laws of Illinois. She also reports Mr. Dick Johnson is harassing, intimidation and threatening her with racial slurs, which Joseph Bernadoni has witnessed. Ms. Robin reports there are police reports to support her allegations against these two men. Apparently, your office is aware of these threats of violence also. Why has Mr. Johnson not been arrested?

From the information provided to me in the email, which I will send you a copy, Ms. Robin resides at xxx W. Washington Street, Utica Illinois. Apparently, Ms. Robin has a neighbor, Mr. Dick Johnson, who harasses, intimidates, threatens and promotes racism and violence with his language to her. Ms. Robin reports calling your police department several times about being harassed, intimidated, and threatened with racism slurs, with no results. Ms. Robin reports one of your police officers stated there is no law against harassment. That is not true. There are laws for this type of crime. This is criminal behavior.

The following is reported in the emails I received from Ms. Robin:

“Racism is alive and well in Utica, IL. My husband and I adopted a bi-racial baby girl who is now 2 yrs. old. Since the adoption we have been dealing with a neighbor that has harassed, used intimidating and racial slurs on a routine basis whenever we are outside our home and within sight, this being done while the chief of police stands next to him and does nothing about it, not even a warning. Our home burnt this past June and this neighbor has done everything possible to stop my family and the contractors from rebuilding. This past Monday I had to call the LaSalle County Police because as I was standing in front of my home with the concrete contractors this man came running out cursing and screaming obscene language while the Chief of Police stood inside this man’s home and said nor did anything about it. Once the County police showed up I was informed by the officer that there was no law against harassment. My little girl, an innocent child is going to have to hear the N word from a racist neighbor while playing in her own yard. She will now be exposed to foul and volatile language while she is in her room playing if the window is open or if we go outside…The police chief Joe Bernadoni and this neighbor Dick Johnson are friends. ..When the building inspector went to my property to go over the measurements, he had to have a police officer with him. Last Monday when this newest incident occurred I was standing in the street in front of my home when he came across two lots to get to me. The LaSalle County officer when he did arrive spent more time running my name to see if I had any warrants than anything else. I told him I wanted something done about this man and that is when I was told there is no law against harassment. I asked him to write something so I would have at least a piece of paper that he was even there. He did go over and speak to the man and he himself witnessed the hostile personality yet did nothing. Since the beginning of losing my home this man has called the city attorney and mayor to try and stop me from rebuilding on my property. There is a city board meeting Dec 10th which I am going to attend. What I truly find amazing this man can be outside screaming obscene things at me while I am standing there holding my little girl and then go inside his home get dressed and walk across the street to the catholic church he is a member of and also a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus. My husband works out of state and is only home on the weekends. He was upset with me that I am making this issue public, he tells me that It will isolate us in the community, and may create an enemy with the police chief…I am feeling fear due to the fact the man is unpredictable and he runs an illegal taxidermy shop next to us filled with guns. My town has a 99% white population and though many people support me it is only behind closed doors. I don’t know who to turn too to help stop this unexcusable and hideous behavior.”

This is outrageous!!! This is ludicrous!!! If this is true, the Chief of Police and Dick Johnson are cowards and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Why doesn’t Mr. Johnson harass a man? Only cowards do things as described in this email. The world needs to know that racism is alive in Utica Illinois. Also, from the information in this email it appears that you know about this situation Mr. Mayor. It also appears that your city attorneys know about this harassment, intimidation and threats of violence are taking place.

Therefore, I have posted this message on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ to alert the world of the character and behavior of the officials of Utica Illinois. I have contacted and sent these emails to The Times newspaper (serving Ottawa and Streator Illinois) and The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. I am in the process of sending this correspondence to LaSalle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne.

Sir, I will send this correspondence to you by email and fax. I will send this correspondence to Mr. Tom Guerrero by email, who sits on the Village of Utica’s Committees Police, Public Health and Safety.

Mr. Mayor, how can you allow this woman to become a hostage to threats of violence in her own home? The people who are responsible for these acts should be prosecuted. If Chief of Police Joseph Bernadoni has working knowledge of these criminal acts, he should be prosecuted, fined, disciplined and fired. The burning of Ms. Robin home should be investigated to its fullest.

I was going to fax this correspondence to the LaSalle County Sheriff, Tom Templeton, and to the Chief of Police Joseph Bernadoni as a courtesy. After engaging a member of the LaSalle County Sheriff’s office, who identified himself as Corporal Carmean, who refused to give me a fax number for the LaSalle County Sheriff’s office and who did not know how to spell Sheriff Templeton’s name, I decided to forego this courtesy. I decided to forego the courtesy to Mr. Bernadoni because I may get the same hostility. They can read about it on my blog.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr.
Social Policy Analyst
Counselor/Therapist

I received a letter dated January 16, 2009 from Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent. The  letter states “…I am in receipt of your e-mail and fax of the letter you received from Mrs. Robin…expressing concern about the alleged misconduct of the Chief of Police of North Utica. According to the attorney for the city of North Utica, the complainant, Mrs. Robin…, was scheduled to voice her allegations before the Mayor of Utica and the Village Board of Trustees on January 14, 2009. Mrs…presentation to the Board is an appropriate course of action in seeking a resolution to this matter…Hopefully, this meeting and any subsequent actions will provide a positive outcome for all involved in this unfortunate situation. Thank you for writing and expressing your concerns….”

One Source Talent Modeling Agency: Beware Consumers – This is not the way

Update: December 9, 2008

I filed a complaint against Mr. Anthony Toma and One Source Talent with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today.

November 11, 2007

One Source Talent

Mr. Anthony Toma, Founder
3250 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 526
Troy, Michigan 48084

Re: Kristina Gaston

Mr. Toma:

You report to the public One Source Talent is a consulting service for the fashion and acting communities. Your company summary suggests the goal of One Source Talent is to create cost-effective, working relationships between talent and clients via its interactive network. Your company also suggests it has talent and client benefits with real-time access and submissions to nation-wide castings and auditions, an interactive composite card for all digital and traditional submissions, a personal email account, industry workshops, “meet n’ greets”, a commission free environment and a benefit program from select businesses in each market. A searchable database of talent with detailed characteristics, a commission free service, a detailed talent evaluation process to ensure they are getting dedicated people and a corporate staff with years of industry knowledge and contacts.

You suggest One Source Talent mission is to help make the modeling and acting communities easily accessible from all ends of the entertainment industry, from talent, to clients, to agents, to casting companies; allowing for established and new talent to be discovered and hired quickly, and cost effectively.

In addition, your company reports underlying the mission is the determination to seek new and creative ways of addressing all several parts, while holding a deep respect for individuals inside and outside the company, and for the communities of which we are a part. The values of your company, from your viewpoint, state personal honesty, integrity, commitment to working together – with openness and trust; empowering others and respecting differences; encouraging risk-taking and responsibility; enjoying our work and our families.

Finally, your company suggests you are dedicated to providing the best service possible; that you are talent and client centered; that you are committed to working in partnerships, holding yourselves accountable for quality results, and are dedicated to financial integrity and cost-effectiveness.

Sir, I beg to differ with your company’s summary statement, talent and client benefits, integrity and honesty clause and values and principles statement.

My daughter, Kristina Gaston, has suffered a tremendous loss of integrity and possible modeling career opportunities with your Chicago office. I challenge the honesty, dignity and integrity of your Chicago based office. Kristina has not received one call from any perspective opportunities for modeling. In order for a perspective opportunity to arise, the agency or company would have to know Kristina’s One Source Talent ID number. There is no exposure by your company that would bring a perspective opportunity. In addition, Kristina would have to have suitable photos to demonstrate her beauty. The “professional” pictures, contracted by your company do not meet the requirements or standards your company claims to promote.

On or about August 16, 2007 my wife and I entered into a contractual agreement with One Source Talent to acquire photos and promotion of Kristina’s talents. Our cost was $595.00 for “professional” photos. Kristina’s photo shoot was scheduled for September 5, 2007. Kristina’s One Source Talent ID# is 20526. Kristina is 13-years-old. The results were not that of a 13-year-old.

I asked Carmen Martinez, your Chicago office representative, what would we get for $595.00? We were told by Carmen that we would get a 4-hour photo shoot, make-up artist and a portfolio. My wife escorted Kristina to the photo shoot. It lasted about an hour and a half. Carmen also told us we had to produce our own copies for the portfolio, from the photos taken by your “professional” photographer.

When my wife and I got the results of Kristina’s photos, I was appalled and disgusted. Most of the shots were over exposed. Kristina’s hair style did not change as her clothing was changed. The make-up was over the top, such as too much eyeliner and a heavy coating of facial foundation with a heavy coating of lipstick making her look 23-years-old instead of 13-years-old. In some pictures, Kristina had pearls on making the shots look like glamour photography. It appears as if Kristina was not professionally guided through the pictures either.

The lighting used for her photo shots created shadows, which made the shots bad or too hot; where if the lighting were appropriate we would have had a normal exposure. Kristina’s skin color and tone is not as light as some of the photos portrayed. If you want to see “true color” in “your” professional photos look at the shots taken by your photographer of Kristina’s mother, which were 3 shots and only because she was standing there with Kristina. We paid your company for professional photos. We did not pay for photos to be cropped and photo shopped.

The framing and/or composition were bad. There were many things in the photos that were distracting to Kristina’s look and photo shoot, such as window sills, wooded walls, telephone wires, etc. This photographer, if professional, should know what is in the frame of the picture before it is taken. When engaging in your process, we presented a photo disc to Carmen done by FBP DeSign Group, Inc. (http://www.fbpdesigngroup.com/) with make-up done by Marcus Geeter (http://www.marcusgeetermakeupartist.com/). This photo disc far exceeded your company’s demonstration of Kristina with excellence, distinction and quality.

When we left the disc from FBP DeSign Group, Inc. with Carmen she reported to us the pictures were unacceptable and not professional enough for your company, suggesting the background was the same in all the pictures. The first series of shots taken by your company’s “professional” photographer has the same background in most of its photos. In addition, your company’s photos displayed some sort of fabric or sheet in the background that had creases in it displaying where the sheets had been folded. This did not look professional at all. A professional photographer should know what is in the frame of a picture before the picture is taken.

To add insult to injury, on November 7, 2007 my wife called the person who reports she is the manager in your Chicago based office, Jessica, attempting to explain the above. Jessica made my wife feel insulted, minimizing our concerns. My wife reports Jessica stating “Oh, those pictures can get your daughter a job. If the pictures can get my daughter a job, demonstrate this to us.

My wife called me at work asking me to explain the above to Jessica.

On November 7, 2007 I called Jessica explaining the above. Jessica told me my thoughts about “professional” photography were my daughter sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. I was so insulted and aghast by Jessica’s response to my concerns, as I spoke in a professional voice, it prompted me to write this letter to you; also posting this letter on my websites at http://click.townhall.com/ and http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ for public viewing. People need to know what One Source Talent really offers, with your unprofessional staff.

Therefore, considering my statements and your company’s mission, value and integrity statements, could you please respond giving me some insight into how we can satisfy each others need for a good product and sale of my daughters attributes with an opportunity of work.

If the pictures your company sponsored and produced through your “professional” photographer are as good as Carmen and Jessica claim, put my daughter’s pictures on One Source Talent’s opening website page for public viewing like you have similarly situated individuals who you feel need promoting first and/or get her some work. This would prove out Carmen and Jessica’s theory that your pictures are better than the pictures I presented to your company for your website from FBP DeSign Group, Inc. and Marcus Geeter. It may also prove Jessica’s beliefs and thoughts that my vision of good professional pictures is those taken with my daughter sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. This was a very sarcastic statement made by your professional manager. It tells us a lot about your company. The staff of a company, is the company.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
Social Policy Analyst

cc:

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/
http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/
Carmen Martinez
Jessica

 

Update: November 12, 2007

 

Jessica from One Source Talent called suggesting Kristina, my wife and I sit down to talk about possibly getting another photo shoot. We will sit with her to discuss this letter and Kristina’s future in modeling.

 

Update: December 1, 2008

 

Kristina has not received a call from One Source Talent in months. One Source Talent has been debiting a monthly fee from my wife’s bank account every month. My wife has been requesting information on why there has been no work for our daughter. There has been no response. Finally, my wife has been verbally calling and requesting One Source Talent cancel our contract and stop the monthly fee for Kristina’s account. The contract has not been nullified and the fee has not stopped. One Source Talent continues to debit the fee from my wife’s account with no accountability for acquiring work for our daughter.

 

My wife has been told that she must submit a writing to One Source Talent requesting to stop this fee. My wife and I called her bank requesting the One Source Talent debit stopped. To our amazement, our bank cannot stop the One Source Talent debit to her account because it is a debit to her bank account. My wife’s bank reports the only way my wife can stop the One Source Talent debit is to cancel her debit card and order a new one. Therefore, my wife will cancel her current debit card and order a new debit card from her bank just to stop this debit by One Source Talent.

 

I would suggest to anyone who gets involved with One Source Talent or any other business or entity who insist on a monthly or weekly fee being taken from a bank account to have that fee taken from their bank’s routing and bank account number, not by way of a debit to their account.

 

If a person takes this action, you will avoid having to cancel a debit card or your account to stop payment to a company who is not providing the service you require.

 

I believe One Source Talent has not provided our daughter with work because of our complaint to management and my posting the writing below on my blogs. When I wrote this complaint to Anthony Toma, Founder, President and CEO of One Source Talent in November of 2007, I had 2 blogs. I now have 4, and will re-post this complaint on all of them.

 

When I wrote and posted this complaint on my blogs I received a call from Mr. Toma thinking our daughter would get “real” work. I took this writing off my blogs because of good faith toward One Source Talent. When we wrote this complaint, our daughter was given another photo shooting and an opportunity to be an “extra” in a 15 minute college documentary. There has been no other work. Therefore, I am posting this complaint again on my blogs.

 

I would highly suggest to parents that if you do not know someone in management, please do not waste your time, money and child’s self-esteem on believing one day she or he will succeed in this business. The only way there is success in this business is if you have a personal relationship with the ownership.

 

One Source Talent is not the way to succeed. I sent this comment to the President and CEO of One Source Talent, Mr. Anthony Toma by way of email. Hopefully, he will be able to facilitate the demise of our contract. My wife will cancel her debit card so that One Source Talent will not be able to take any other monies from her account.

Update: December 4, 2008

 

I filed an official complaint with the State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General this morning against Anthony Roma and One Source Talent. Check out this website: http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/one-source-talent-agency-c101283.html to support my claim against One Source Talent.

Wal-Mart Stores: Nefarious conduct and behavior of a Sam’s Club Manager

November 15, 2008

Sam’s West Inc., dba Sam’s Club #6489

Mr. Phil Hassna, Sam’s Club #6489 Store Manager

603 River Oaks West

Calumet City, Illinois 60409

 

Mr. Rob Walton, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Mr. Lee Scott, President & CEO

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

702 SW 8^th Street

Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

Re:       Nefarious Character and Behavior of a Sam’ Club Manager

Mr. Hassna:

I, Fred Nance Jr., entered Sam’s Club #6489 on November 15, 2008 at approximately 5:15 pm (CST) with my wife to purchase items from this store. We wanted to buy steaks, but needed assistance from a butcher. There was no butcher present. An employee informed me the butchers were gone for the day. I sought a supervisor or manager to ask why there was no butcher present to assist customers needing service in their meat department. This started as a simple question, which had a simple, respectful answer. The Sam’s Club manager I encountered had a different agenda. It appears her agenda is to harass, intimidate and threaten consumers/customers.

Seeking an answer to this “complicated” question of “where are the butchers”, I went to the front of the store requesting to speak to a supervisor or manager. A supervisor began to answer my question when she spotted a manager, Cynthia. This supervisor directed my question and inquiry to Cynthia.

I approached Cynthia giving her my business card asking her was she a manager. Rather than answering my question, Cynthia asked me what I needed as she ignored my handing her my business card leaving my hand dangling with the card in it. I informed her there was no butcher present to assist customers in the meat department. I asked this question requesting to understand why there was no butcher present to assist customers and how could I acquire the purchase I wanted.

Cynthia began rudely and nefariously addressing my question and request. I informed Cynthia that she was not going to talk to me in a demeaning way and addressing me in a disrespectful and arrogant manner. I requested to speak to her supervisor. Cynthia told me she was the “boss”. I asked Cynthia for the store manager’s name. Cynthia told me Phil. I asked Cynthia what is Phil last name. Cynthia refused to give me Phil’s last name.

I started writing the dialogue and statements she was making to me on one of my business cards that she refused to accept. Cynthia did not care or want to know who she was talking too. I think anyone having dialogue with someone should know who they are talking too and their audience. If you do not know your audience, you may make grave errors that may cost something.

As I ran out of room on the one business card, I started writing on another one of my business cards. I asked Cynthia to give me the information I requested on the store and its manager on a piece of her paper. Cynthia told me I can write on what I was using. As I was writing, I asked Cynthia for the store manager’s last name again. Cynthia blurted out Phil Hassna, several times in an egregious voice. I asked Cynthia to spell her store manager’s last name. Cynthia refused to spell it for me.

I informed Cynthia that I was going to write a letter to the President & CEO of Sam’s Club/WalMart about her unprofessional character and behavior and post it on my websites. Cynthia told me that if I did not stop talking she would take my Sam’s Club membership and have me escorted from the store. I challenged this statement telling her to do it. Cynthia looked at me and walked away. I acquired the Sam’s Club store manager’s information from a business card that another respectful and concerned employee of Sam’s Club directed me too in the entrance lobby of the store.

As I recalled more information from my encounter with Cynthia, I began writing it on an envelope my wife had in her purse. As my wife and I continued shopping, I asked other Sam’s Club employees if there was another manager in the store. As I explained my dilemma to these employees of Sam’s Club and why I wanted to know was there other managers besides Cynthia in the store, these Sam’s Club employees began telling me about other customer complaints against Cynthia. If this is true, then the management of Sam’s Club #6489 has a total disregard for consumer/customer complaints against Cynthia. Consumers: Is there where you want to shop and spend your hard earned money?

My wife and I spent $185.63 at this Sam’s Club store (Transaction #2197; Store #6489; Register #008 at 5:57 pm). When we got home and I began to take the Sam’s Club groceries from the car, I told my wife I was taking these groceries back to Sam’s Club. I informed my wife that we cannot allow a retail or wholesale store to treat customers as I was treated. I informed my wife we have to make a statement. I returned the groceries to this Sam’s Club at approximately 7:23 pm (CST) and was refunded $154.38 (Transaction #1343; Store #6489; Register #1802). The other groceries my wife had already opened.

Consumers/customers should not shop where they are not respected, especially if management is the one who disrespects you. If management disrespects you, it informs you of what they think about you spending your hard earned money in their store. If it is necessary to shop at a Sam’s Club or WalMart store, find one that has a high or moderate level of integrity, honesty and respect for its consumers/customers.

Store #6489 located in Calumet City does not have a high or moderate level of integrity, honesty and respect for its consumers/customers if they continue to allow people like Cynthia to manage and direct services there.

The Sam’s Club located in Calumet City may not pay attention to this letter. This Sam’s Club may not do anything about consumer/customer complaints. One thing is for sure and can be vested with a degree of certainty (truth); we do not have to spend our money in this store. When a customer finds issues of integrity, honesty and respect lacking in retail and wholesale stores we should alert the public. Public awareness creates and drives consumer/customer power. As consumers/customers we have monetary power. We are not powerless to mega stores like Sam’s Club and WalMart. Consumers/customers can make a difference. Stand up for what you believe. If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything. I know everyone believes in a degree of honesty, integrity and respect in the workplace and in the retail/wholesale market.

Make no mistake. If Cynthia talks to the consumer/customer as I was talked too, she talks to her subordinates likewise. I will hand deliver a copy of this letter to Mr. Phil Hassna, manager of Sam’s Club store #6489. I will provide a copy to Mr. Hassna by U.S. mail. I will email a copy of this letter to Mr. Hassna. I will provide a copy of this letter to Mr. Walton and Mr. Scott by U.S. mail. Finally, I will post this letter on the blogs below.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc:

Rob Walton, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Lee Scott, President & CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

Update: November 16, 2008

 

I hand delivered this letter for Mr. Hassna to Mr. Leo at the Sam’s Club store #6489 on November 16, 2008 at approximately 3:10 pm (CST). As I was waiting for Mr. Leo to come to the front of the store to receive the letter, I saw an employee I know. I explained what had happened to me. I was informed that there was a female complaining on Friday, November 14, 2008, about Cynthia being “rude” to her. This female informed Sam’s Club staff she was going to call their corporate office about the “rude” treatment she received from Cynthia. Therefore, my experienced with Cynthia is not isolated.

 

Cynthia’s rude and abrasive character and behavior probably spills over into how she treats the employees under her supervision. I can see why Wal-Mart does not want a union for their employees. If there was a union, the employees of Wal-Mart would have a voice speaking for them when a nefarious supervisor has behavior such as described here. I will explore and research this union issue with Wal-Mart and post my results on my blogs for public viewing.

Update: November 17, 2008

 

This is the email dialogue between Mr. Hassna and I.

 

“Phillip Hassna wrote:
 
Fred, thanks for the time that you spent communicating your service experience on Sat, I do apologize for that experience. I will be contacting you today by phone, I hope that is acceptable for you. I look forward to talking with you today. Again, I do apologize and look forward to hearing your concerns about my manager.

 

Phil Hassna
 
From: Fred Nance Jr.
 
Mr. Hassna:
 
Thanks for responding. I have a very tight schedule today, hopefully I will be able to answer your call. I have to meet with the Honorable Congressman Danny Davis this morning regarding some of the advisory committees I sit on. I should be done around 11:00 am, then I am off to one of the colleges to meet with the Dean. I hope to hear from you today. Again, Thanks.

Update: November 28, 2008

 

I have not heard anything nor have I received a response to my correspondence about the Sam’s Club in Calumet City Illinois. I visited the Wal-Mart store in Calumet City Illinois this morning, Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving Day.

 

As I was seeking my purchase among many shoppers, I engaged a representative of the store named Yolanda. I asked Yolanda where the line started for purchasing a 42″ television. Yolanda looked at me, ignored me, and walked away from me. I asked another young lady who gave me the information I needed. Her name was Bonnie, who reported she was the Marketing supervisor. I reported Yolanda’s behavior to Bonnie. Bonnie informed me she definitely take care of it. It seems I cannot escape the disrespect of Wal-Mart employees.

 

Nevertheless, I spent $1,937.91. I bought a Dell desktop computer, a 19″ Samsui LCD TV, a Home Theatre DVD/CD surround system and a 42″ Samsung Plasma TV. I bought the service plans for the TVs and computer. The Home Theatre came with a replacement plan. My daughter spent $576.79.

Update: December 7, 2008
 
I have not heard anything from Wal-Mart Corporate. Therefore, I have returned the items purchased from Wal-Mart. I received a refund in the amount of $1,937.91. I had purchased some brackets to install the televisions. I returned them also, receiving an additional $136.83. Wal-Mart does not give their customers any respect.

Conlon & Sons: Harlem Furniture and Stainsafe Warranty

Update: November 3, 2008

 

On October 31, 2008 Stainsafe’s representative Global Care released a document regarding this issue. The states:

 

Full Item Replacement Authorization, Claim #1568823, Sales Receipt number 1107504XOPW; We are pleased to inform you that a full replacement has been authorized for the following item(s) Chest/SKU – 551221107. We have notified the Roomplace at Harlem that we have authorized you to select merchandise of your choice with a value that is less than or equal to your original purchase price of the above referenced item(s)…Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

 

There may be some integrity here. There was no response to the nefarious character and behavior of their representatives who handled this case.

October 27, 2008

 

Conlon & Sons

Mr. Joe Conlon, President/Owner

700 New York Ave., Suite D

Huntington, New York 11746

 

Mr. Conlon:

 

Harlem Furniture contracts with Stainsafe for repair service with its furniture needs. I was informed by your representative that you company, Conlon & Sons, provide services for Stainsafe. Stainsafe has 196 complaints against its organization on www.ripoffreport.com/.

 

On Friday, October 24, 2008, I was scheduled for a repair appointment for furniture I bought from Harlem Furniture. When I purchased my furniture from Harlem Furniture I bought a warranty with Stainsafe, which utilizes your company to provide repair services. My appointment time frame was 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

 

At approximately 10:30 am, I received a call from your representative stating my repair person’s car had broken down and he was at the repair shop to get it fixed. I was told when he got his car fixed he would be coming to my house. I received a call late Friday afternoon, October 24, 2008, from your representative stating my repair person would not be coming out. I waited for your repair person for over 7 hours before I got a call stating he was not coming. I was told I had to re-schedule. I re-scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2008, between the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

 

On Monday, October 27, 2008, at approximately 8:15 am I had to make a run out of the neighborhood. I left because your repair person had not showed up and thinking about the wait I had Friday, October 24, 2008, I believed I would get a courtesy call to alert me to when this repair person would come to my house.

 

At approximately 8:35 am I received a call from your representative stating your repair person was sitting outside my home. I informed your representative I was not at home. Your representative asked me how long will it take for me to get home. I informed your representative I would be home in 30 minutes. I got home at approximately 9:00 am. I called your office and your representative told me I had to re-schedule for another day. Sir, I have a problem with the service I am receiving with your company.

 

On Friday, October 24, 2008, I waited for 6 hours, all day at home for your service. No one showed up. I did not get upset. I re-scheduled. On Monday, October 27, 2008, your representative told me I did not ask for a call to alert me your repair person was on there way. Sir, I should not have to ask for this call. This is a courtesy call, which I should have received anyway because of Friday, October 24, 2008. I deserved a courtesy call.

 

On Monday, October 27, 2008, your representative informed me your repair person was stuck in traffic for 2 hours coming to my house. I am not sure where your repair person is traveling from to come to my house, but coming to my house is driving against the traffic, not with the traffic. What I mean there is no traffic coming to my house. All the traffic is going toward downtown Chicago. I live in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, if your repair person was stuck in traffic, I should have received a courtesy call stating so, because I waited as I did on Friday, October 24, 2008, I should have received a courtesy call.

 

Your representative informs me now I have to make another appointment, and they were very adamant and unconcerned about my service. This is totally unprofessional. On Monday, October 27, 2008, I have spoken to Suelette and Antoinette from your office. I informed Suelette and Antoinette that I would write this letter, sending a copy to Harlem Furniture, posting it on my blogs and posting it on www.ripoffreport.com/.

 

From viewing www.ripoffreport.com/, it appears it is 196 complaints against Stainsafe. Stainsafe employs your company to repair the items it contracts for with various furniture stores. Sir, how does your company fair with www.ripoffreport.com/?

 

Sir, I want service today, Monday, October 27, 2008. I have asked to speak to a supervisor. I have been told your supervisor is Linda. I have been repeatedly told that Linda is not available. The last response I received from your representative about speaking to Linda is that she is in a meeting. I would like to receive a call about my issue. Please respond.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

 

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://frednance.newsvine.com/

The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. & American Express Account: Beware of automated purchases

November 2, 2008

 

American Express Credit Card Account

Customer Service Department

P.O. Box 981532

El Paso, Texas 79998-1532

 

Re:       Account Ending In – xxxxx

 

In September of 2008 I called RIDDEX to order their RIDDEX Plus product. The order process took place by phone, talking to an automated voice. During the order process, the call was cut off before I finalized my order. The cut-off was abrupt leading me to believe something was wrong. I called the RIDDEX number back, hoping to talk to a live person. I got automation again. Therefore, I immediately called AMEX to stop payment because I had entered my card number over the phone to an automated voice. I was informed by an AMEX representative that I had to wait until the charge was posted on my account before I could challenge it.

 

On or about October 3, 2008 I received the product for which I wanted AMEX to cancel payment. Upon receipt of this product by mail, I called RIDDEX Plus talking to a supervisor named Margaret. Margaret told me to take it to my local post office and send it back to them. I immediately took it back to the South Holland Post Office, giving it to one of the postal representative, instructing them to send it back to the sender. I made a photo copy of the shipping receipt before I took the package back to the post office. I did not get a receipt for returning it because I did not get a receipt to receive it. I left the package, the post office and went home.

 

On or about October 3, 2008 I talked to Amy, an AMEX representative, about this issue stating I was disconnected before the transaction was completed with RIDDEX. Amy opened case number HU40661. I informed Amy I received the product through the mail on or about October 3, 2008 and returned it to the Post Office without opening it.

 

On or about October 14, 2008 I talked to Andrea, another RIDDEX Plus representative. Andrea asked me did I have a receipt with a tracking number for their package that I took back to the post office. I informed Andrea that I do not have a receipt or a tracking number because I took their package and returned it to the post office telling the postal representative to send it back to the sender. After talking to Andrea, I did some research on RIDDEX Plus. I found out the corporate name for RIDDEX Plus is The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. Melissa K. Rice is the CEO, and that Kevin Sepe is the President. The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. is located at 4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 780, Miami Florida 33137. I called 212-614-4203 and talked Julicia Brooks about this issue. I was directed to a supervisor named Ivan who informed me he would submit a research request to Marcella a supervisor. I was told to fax the shipping receipt I had to them. I faxed a copy of the shipping receipt and the notes I took to Ivan at 972-407-3750 (fax number given to me by Ivan).

 

On or about October 14, 2008 I called the corporate office of The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. at 305-576-6889 seeking to talk to Ms. Melissa Rice, CEO and/or Mr. Kevin Sepe, President. I talked to Ms. Luz who requested I fax my shipping receipt to her. I fax my shipping receipt to Ms Luz at 305-576-6997. Ms. Luz assured me she would track the receipt of the package I sent back to them (shipping receipt, notes attached).

 

I received correspondence from AMEX dated October 4, 2008 with dispute reference number HU40661 from H. Figueroa Customer Service Supervisor stating in part, “…Thank you for contacting us regarding a charge(s) on your account. We have referred your inquiry regarding RIDDEX to one of our Customer Care Professionals for review. In the meantime, we have suspended the amount of $115.50 on your account which can be seen on an upcoming statement….” I received correspondence from AMEX dated October 8, 2008 with dispute reference number HU40661 from H. Figueroa, Customer Service Supervisor stating in part, “…We are writing regarding your inquiry about the charge(s) from Riddex. We have determined that we need some additional information from you to continue our investigation. What we need to proceed, in order for us to proceed on your behalf, we need you to provide us with: a copy of the Return/Postal Receipt relating to this inquiry….” I did not answer this correspondence.

 

I received correspondence on October 27, 2008 from AMEX dated October 24, 2008 from H. Figueroa Customer Service Supervisor stating in part, “…As you know, we have been investigating your claim with RIDDEX. During this time we suspended the disputed amount of $115.50. Our investigation is now complete and we have received credit for $67.65….” I immediately called AMEX requesting the full credit. I was told by an AMEX representative that an additional $29.95 was credited to my account. I asked the representative, where is the rest of the credit? The AMEX representative informed me they would continue investigating.

 

On November 1, 2008 I received correspondence from H. Figueroa Customer Service Supervisor dated October 28, 2008 stating in part, “…We are writing regarding your inquiry about the charge(s) from RIDDEX. We have determined that we need some additional information from you to continue our investigation. What we need to proceed, in order for us to proceed on your behalf, we need you to provide us with a signed, detailed letter describing the events surrounding your claim, including the exact amount of credit you are requesting. Steps we have taken, we have temporarily suspended the amount of $17.90 from the balance during the period of our investigation, which will reflect on your upcoming statement….” The correspondence dated October 28, 2008 has a different dispute reference number on it, which is HY64016.

 

This is the detailed letter requested by AMEX. First, why is the dispute reference number different? Second, I request the full credit amount to my account of $115.50, which $97.60 has been credited to my account according to correspondence dated October 22, 2008 for $67.65, and a statement from an AMEX representative on October 27, 2008 stating my account was credited for $29.95. I expect the balance of $17.90 be credited to my account. In addition, I request a correspondence from AMEX stating the full amount of $115.50 was credited to my account.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

 

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://frednance.newsvine.com/

Energy Savers of Orland Park Illinois: Appalling Business Ethics, Practices and Customer Satisfaction

Update: December 18, 2008

 

On December 18, 2008 at approximately 10:30 a.m. Energy Savers representatives repaired the downspout for $65.00. I paid the Energy Savers’ representatives $65.00. I faxed the receipt for the $65.00 payment to Energy Savers to John’s Pro Tree Service. I talked to John and he stated he will bring the $65.00 reimbursement to me.

Update: November 22, 2008

 

November 22, 2008

Complaint ID#: 94208140
Business Name: Energy Savers Vinyl Windows

Better Business Bureau

Diana Mendez
Assistant Manager-Home/Transportation Services

 

Complaint ID#: 94208140
Business Name: Energy Savers Vinyl Windows

 

Ms. Mendez:

 

I will address the response of Energy Saver’s paragraph according to how it is marked from the paperwork I received from the Better Business Bureau:

 

1. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: Fred Nance is satisfied with the work that Energy Savers did. Nance Response: The issue is not about whether I am satisfied with the work that was done by Energy Savers. Talking about that: I have screw tips that installers installed that have exposed tips, which could injure someone. These tips should have been “budded” to prevent injury to people. I want the ends of these screws budded.

 

2. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: If John Pro Tree Service damage something and are will to pay for damage what’s the problem. I don’t think John’s Pro Tree Service works for free. Nance Response: John Pro Tree Service stated they would pay for the downspout when it receives a billing statement from me, which I should get from Energy Savers when they make the repairs. I informed Energy Savers’ representative Joe Lipuma that John’s Pro Tree Service would pay for the downspout replacement. Energy Savers and Joe Lipuma decided they were going to ignore my request to fix the downspout, and in fact, deny claims such as downspout and screws that are explicit in their contract for services. See Energy Savers’ service contract stating “…Customer Satisfaction: We at Energy Savers Vinyl Windows value your business. If at any time you are unsatisfied with our service, we would like the opportunity to remedy any issues that you may have. Our main objective is customer satisfaction….” See attached Energy Savers’ contract received for services to my home.

 

3. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: A downspout is very simple…to come out an do assessment it’s just a down spout – if there is a hole in it we do not repair hole we replace the downspout because that’s the correct way to fix it. Nance Response: If the downspout is so simple, why didn’t Energy Savers’ come out and fix it. An assessment is an evaluation, a judgment about something based on an understanding of the situation. An assessment is what any logical business person would do before any repairs or installation of a product. An assessment allows a business to know what is needed for the work. Before Energy Savers did the work on my home Mr. Lipuma did an assessment/evaluation of the property. I never asked Energy Savers to fix the hole in the downspout. I asked them to replace the downspout. I informed Mr. Lipuma that I had a piece of downspout vinyl his installers left that fit the section of drain spout needed. This statement suggests a down spout replacement, not a “hole” fix. See original letter from me, paragraph #4.

 

4. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: We do not piece together down spouts not the correct way to fix it. Nance Response: The downspout mentioned here in paragraph 3 is a full piece of downspout. There is nothing to piece together. It is a perfect fit, with extra length. It is their product.

 

5. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: Our fax machine here is used for ordering and receiving orders only. Nance Response: I have no response.

 

6. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: The cost to replace not repair downspout is 199 labor & material if Mr. Nance think 199 is to much have John’s Pro Tree Service replace it. Nance Response: John’s Pro Tree Service will incur the cost for repair. I hope the cost of this replacement is universal with the pricing of other entities providing similar services.

 

7. Energy Savers’ Response to my complaint: I would like to have the BBB consider removing this complaint because we have a customer that got damage done by another company may be the complaint should have been to John’s Pro Tree Service if Mr. Nance is looking for a estimate for repair we can send him one. Nance Response: I am not sure what Energy Savers is saying here, but I will attempt to respond. The Better Business Bureau should not remove the complaint from their files because the damage was done by another company. The complaint is on Energy Savers. The complaint is about Energy Savers’ policy on Customer Satisfaction. Energy Savers refused to live up to its policies. John’s Pro Tree Service has always acted with integrity and honesty. John’s Pro Tree Service specializes in tree trims, bush removal, tree cutting, stump removal, etc.

 

Energy Savers gives a post script to its response. Energy Savers states “isn’t it terrible to have a hit on you’re BBB report over something so Stupid.” Energy Savers also states “My salesman even offered to come out to Mr. Nance’s home and fix it himself but Mr. Nance said he put a bad rap on us in his blog and now the BBB Mr. Nance is on his own don’t call us for anything.” Nance Response: I guess Energy Savers is Stupid. What company would allow their integrity and honesty challenged over an event that they could have so easily rectified? This story tells us that Energy Savers has no integrity and honesty. Energy Savers surely does not honor its “Customer Satisfaction” policy. This is exactly why I posted my complaint on the Internet and with the Better Business Bureau. This statement violates Energy Savers “Customer Satisfaction” policy. Energy Savers should be held to the standards of their company policy. To say, “…don’t call us for anything” violates Energy Savers’ policy.

 

Posting truth on the Internet is in agreement with the 1^st Amendment clause of the United States Constitution, Freedom Speech. Second, if Energy Savers’ salesman offered to come out to “evaluate” and fix the problem, why didn’t he come? Just because I exercised my right to “free speech” does not give Energy Savers the right to violate its company policy. Energy Savers should be prosecuted to full extent of the law. I will post this response on my blogs. I will post this response to the Better Business Bureau on their website in its response section. I will mail this response to Ms. Diana Mendez by Certified Mail to assure its receipt and to assure the Better Business Bureau has a copy of Energy Savers’ “Customer Satisfaction” policy.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

 

Thank you for contacting the BBB. Your complaint was received by the Bureau on November 10, 2008 and has been assigned case # 94208140 in our files.

Your complaint has been applied to the following business:Energy Savers Vinyl Windows11535 183rd PL Unit 117Orland Park, IL 60467-4901

The case has been reviewed by one of our Complaint Specialists and has now been forwarded to the business for their response. The business is allowed ten days to respond. If we do not receive a response from them after ten days, we will send them a second notification. You will be informed once a response has been received.

As this complaint progresses, you may also consider using BBB alternative dispute resolution services such as binding arbitration. For more details about arbitration, please visit: www.chicago.bbb.org/ADRindex.html

We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to keep up with the progress of this complaint. The URL (website address) below will take you directly to this complaint on our website: Complaint Status Page

If the above link does not work for you, please copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.chicago.bbb.org/complaint/view/94208140/c/63sxf3

Sincerely,

Diana Mendez

Assistant Manager-Home/Transportation Servicesdmendez@chicago.bbb.org

Update: November 10, 2008

Consumers Beware: Do not do business with this company. This company does not honor its agreements or contracts. This company will get your money and disregard their obligation to their contract.

I called Energy Savers today requesting to speak with the owner. A female answered the phone informing me the owner was not present and she could take a message in his behalf. I left a message with her for the owner. I informed her I had talked to the representative, Joe Lipuma, who sold me $10,000.00 worth of merchandise that I needed someone to come to my home and assess the damage to the down spout attached to my gutters. I informed the young lady that this representative has promised to come to my home several times but has not made it.

I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau of Chicago, 330 North Wabash Ave., Suite 2006, Chicago, Illinois 60611-7621, 312-832-0500 (office), 312-832-9985 (fax), email-info@chicago.bbb.org, website: http://www.chicago.bbb.org/. If you have suffered an injustice from Energy Savers give the Better Business Bureau a call and file a complaint.

Update: November 6, 2008

Energy Savers has not lived up to its warranty services.

October 31, 2008

 

Mr. Bill Shaheen, Owner

Energy Savers

11535 West 183^rd Place, Suite 117

Orland Park, Illinois 60467-4901

 

Re:       Future home improvement investors should beware of those businesses promoting customer satisfaction and care that neither provide customer satisfaction nor care after they get your money.

 

Mr. Shaheen:

 

On or about July 2, 2007 Energy Savers installed windows, soffits, gutters, drains and downspouts on my home. I paid $10,000.00 for this purchase and labor. Energy Savers’ has a clause in their contract stating, “Customer Satisfaction: If at any time you are unsatisfied with our service, we would like the opportunity to remedy any issues that you may have. Our main objective is customer satisfaction….” This is not true. Customer Satisfaction is not the goal of Energy Savers.

 

On October 24, 2008 Pro Tree Service removed a tree in the backyard of my home. The tree removal employees punched a hole in the downspout of the drain on the North-front side of my home. Pro Tree Service owner John Baio informed me he would pay for the cost of repair.

 

On October 24, 2008 I called Energy Savers requesting a home visit to assess the repair. I talked to Lucy, who may be the administrative assistant of Energy Savers, informing her of the issue. Lucy called me back on or about October 27, 2008 with a quote from the owner Bill Shaheen, which seemed ridiculous to me without an assessment of damage. Instead of providing home service to assess the repair, Lucy gave me some ridiculous price to fix this hole.

 

On October 24, 2008 I called Joseph Lipuma, the salesperson of my purchase. I informed him of what I needed. Mr. Lipuma told me to have the tree removal people repair the downspout. I informed Mr. Lipuma this suggestion was inappropriate. I informed Mr. Lipuma his suggestion was absurd. I informed Mr. Lipuma I have a piece of downspout vinyl left by the original installers that would fit the damaged area.  I requested he visit my home and assess the damage for repair. Mr. Lipuma made several appointments, but has failed to come to my home to assess the damage.

 

On October 31, 2008 I called Energy Savers talking to Lucy about this issue again. I asked for the name of the owner of Energy Savers so that I could address this letter appropriately. Lucy told me she could not give me that information.

 

Energy Savers is located in the township of Orland Park, Illinois. I called the township of Orland Park’s Business and Development to get the business information for Energy Savers since I was being denied access to it by Energy Savers. The Orland Park Business and Development entity states they do not have a fax number on file for this company. This is strange.

 

What does Energy Savers have to hide? Why would a company deny its customers their owner’s name? I asked Lucy for the fax number to Energy Savers so that I could send this letter to them by fax. Lucy informed me that Energy Savers does not have a fax number. Why would a company hide the fax number information from their customers?

 

Viewers of my blogs: How many companies do you know that deny you access to their fax numbers? There is something wrong with the business ethics of Energy Savers.

 

Therefore, I respectfully request a home visit to reasonably assess the damage of my downspout so repairs can be made, paid for, the cost passed on to Pro Tree Removal for payment.

 

I will drive to the Energy Savers location in Orland Park and hand-deliver this letter.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

 

Pro Tree Service

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

Joseph & Stephens Associates: Debt collection company refusing to discuss an account and starting litigation

 

Update: April 21, 2009

 

The State of Georgia has decided not to prosecute fraud. What type of government is this that allows fraud to be perpetrated? The Government of Georgia has given this company a license to fraud. I received this letter dated February 27, 2009:

 

State of Georgia

Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs

2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, SE, Suite 356

Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4600

404-651-8600

 

RE: Reference File Number 230366

 

“…Thank you for sending us the information regarding your complaint against Joseph & Stephens Associates. As we do not have jurisdiction in matters of this nature beyond a facilitation process, and as this process has taken place, we are closing the file…Although we cannot take further action on your behalf at this point, we are retaining your complaint in our files for future reference…”

 

Sincerely,

 

Faye Allen

Customer Service Representative

October 20, 2008

 

Joseph & Stephens Associates

5150 Stilesboro Road, Suite 610

Kennesaw, Georgia 30152

 

Re:       Bank of America 4673671189116

 

Joseph & Stephens Associates:

 

Please be advised: During the first week of October 2008, Mr. Steve Larrimore called me threatening and intimidating me and my family with litigation regarding this account. Mr. Larrimore informed me he had reason to believe I owed a debt for this account. I informed Mr. Larrimore I did not have nor have I ever had an account with the Bank of America. I asked Mr. Larrimore to give me some details about this debt, and why he believed I owed this debt. Mr. Larrimore refused to elaborate on the account, stating since I did not want to take ownership of the debt he would start litigation against me. I informed Mr. Larrimore since he was not going to discuss this alleged debt with me, that he should call me anymore. Mr. Larrimore informed me I would be receiving litigation paperwork in the mail at the end of October 2008.

 

On or about October 14, 2008 I received a letter of settlement on this account suggesting I owed a current amount of $4,838.38. The letter states a settlement offer of $3,139.04 with a settlement date of October 24, 2008. On or about October 16, 2008 my daughter received the same letter at her address. I do not live with my daughter. On October 20, 2008 I called and left a message for Mr. Larrimore. Mr. Larrimore returned my call and refused to give me any information on this account, which he is charging me with being delinquent. Mr. Larrimore informed me that since I did not take ownership the litigation proceedings have gone forward against me.

 

Wherefore the foregoing, if I receive any litigation papers in the mail or by any other means of delivery I will proceed with a counterclaim stating threats, intimidation and defamation of character to start. I will be seeking damages for legal fees, court costs and any and all other remedies the court of jurisdiction deems necessary and appropriate for the willful, nefarious and deliberate acts complained.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

Court of Jurisdiction

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://frednance.newsvine.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois Legislature Opens the Door to its Constituents to suffer Substance Abuse and Crime in their Communities

Update: September 25, 2008

Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association
937 South Second Street • Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217.528.7335 • FAX: 217.528.7340
www.iadda.org
 
For Immediate Release
September 23, 2008
David Ormsby

 

Contact: Sara Moscato Howe
                                                                                    
IL Senate Votes to Restore $55 Million for Drug Treatment; Governor Urged to Approve Money
Money Would Halt Elimination of Care to 42,000
 
(Chicago, IL) – The Illinois Senate today voted to restore $55 million to the state’s alcohol and drug treatment budget which had been originally vetoed by Governor Rod Blagojevich.
 
The Senate voted, 55-0, to restore the $55 million to state addiction treatment services and to halt the elimination of care for 42,000 across Illinois as part of $219 million supplement budget bill (SB 1103) to restore other state programs and services also vetoed by the Governor.
 
The House voted, 113-3, last week to restore the money.
 
“The General Assembly’s action will restore drug treatment services to more than 42,000 people across the state,” said Sara Moscato Howe, CEO of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association. “Now, we urge the Governor to act swiftly to approve the legislature’s action.”
 
On July 9, Blagojevich cut $55 million from addiction treatment services and also line-item vetoed money from specific programs:  victims of domestic violence, women returning from incarceration, youth treatment, youth in the court system, and women receiving federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who require treatment to be employed.
 
Since the Governor’s budget veto was announced in July, treatment programs across the state have begun to eliminate services.
 
In suburban East Hazel Crest, Governor Blagojevich’s Administration eliminated $879,911 of a $4,273,054 grant to local treatment provider, South Suburban Council, which provides substance abuse treatment to more than 3,000 people each year.
 
“We will turn away approximately 600 South Suburban residents during the next year and 20,000 will soon be turned away across Cook County unless the Governor signs the bill,” said Allen Sandusky, President of the South Suburban Council and Chairman of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.
 
The legislation now goes to the Governor’s desk for approval.

Update: September 24, 2008

I received this letter from the Honorable Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross

TOM CROSS
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE:
316 STATE HOUSE
SPRINGFIELD, IL 62706
(217) 782-1331

DISTRICT OFFICE:
24047 W. LOCKPORT, SUITE 213
PLAINFIELD, IL 60544
(815) 254-0000

September 17, 2008

Fred Nance Jr.
C.L.I.C.K. Services, NFP

Dear Mr. Nance:

Thank you for your recent correspondence concerning the FY09 Budget and funding reductions for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Your personal history highlights the life changing impact that treatment services can have for individuals struggling with alcohol and substance abuse.

The FY09 Budget passed to the governor contained appropriation authority for the expansion of many worthwhile state programs, including an expansion of alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Unfortunately, the budget framework overspent expected revenue by an estimated $2 billion. At the time the budget passed, the Democrat leadership in the House admitted that the budget was out of balance and would require action by the governor to bring spending in line with revenue. Accordingly, the governor acted to reduce appropriations by $1.4 billion. There is no doubt that the governor’s vetoes targeted certain budget lines, particularly addiction treatment, in a heavy handed manner. Nonetheless, the root of this problem lies in the unconstitutional budget pushed through by the Democrat House and Senate.

House Republicans initiated legislation. in the form of HB 6881 (Rose). to reprioritize spending throughout state government to restore DASA funding for the 2008 calendar year. Additionally, the House of Representatives recently took action to restore DASA funding with the passage of SB 1103, which provides supplemental appropriation authority for the remainder of the FY09 Budget year. These provisions received my support in the House, passing by a vote of 113-0-0. It is my hope that the Senate will meet in a timely fashion to give consideration to these provisions. Failure to enact the provisions promptly endangers treatment services in all regions of the state and places additional pressures on an already overburdened criminal justice system. Once again, thank you for your correspondence and your work to help those in need of alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

Update: September 11, 2008

September 11, 2008

Illinois General Assembly
Senators

The House passed both SB 790 and SB 1103 yesterday. SB 790 provided the revenue stream and SB1103 restored the DASA cuts. Efforts now move to the Senate – we must ask all Senators to urge leadership to convene session in Springfield immediately and to concur on SB 790 and SB 1103. Please contact any and all Senators to assist in this effort.

THANK YOU,
Sara

I received this email and posted it on my blogs. I sent all Illinois Senators and House of Representatives legislators’ faxes on Monday, September 8, 2008 regarding this matter. The only Illinois General Assembly person to contact me on this issue was the Honorable Paul Froehlich of the 56th District of Illinois.

Please act on this matter immediately to restore the budget cuts to DASA.

Thank you.

Fred Nance Jr.

Sara:

I am sending this correspondence by fax to all Illinois General Assembly members of the Senate. I have confirmation by my technical apparatus that each Senate person received my fax sent on Monday, September 8, 2008, which you are in receipt. I will reproduce the list of the Illinois General Assembly members I sent my faxes too upon your request, along with the individual fax numbers I sent my correspondence too. I will also post this correspondence on my blogs so the world will know how responsible our Illinois legislators are in taking care of their constituents.

This is the message sent to the Illinois General Assembly Senate members recorded on the fax cover sheet.

Illinois Senators:

Please review and respond by restoring the funding to DASA. Please do not think this dilemma will bypass your constituents and their communities. The impact of substance abuse and alcoholism affects us all.

The time is short. If we do not head-off the criminal thinking and behaving of substance abuse and alcoholism, it will capture our communities and the outcomes will be devastating. The time to act is now. The money has been found to restore the budget of DASA. Come aboard and join the fight against drug abuse, alcoholism, crime and recidivism.

cc:

Sara Howe, Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA)
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

Update: September 10, 2008

On September 9, 2008 Alderman and Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Ed Smith, held an agenda in Chicago’s City Council Chambers on the state of the Budget Cuts of Illinois Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly. I presented testimony and the writing below. I left the writing below for other City Council members of Chicago, which were not present.

I informed the City Council members that I faxed the writing below to all 177 Illinois General Assembly members, having confirmation of receipt for them. I informed them that Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly have basically dismantled the Illinois social service system. I informed them that not only can I not get funding for my company to provide services to those who suffer from substance abuse and alcoholism, I cannot obtain employment because of the budget cuts.

What was also surprising and I spoke out about it was when I heard about this City Council meeting I imagined the Chicago City Council Chambers would be filled to the rafters dut to the impact it would have on our communities, such as an increase in criminal thinking and behaving. I informed the City Council members present that no community would be immune to the onslaught of crime and this dilemma.

About 50 senior citizens of McHenry County were in attendance, among other social service agency personnel and customers. There were about 5 City Council members present for this hearing. I was amazed at the non-presence of all Chicago City Council members. Are these people blind to what is going on here? Do they think their communities will be safe with the budget cuts and the dismantling of Illinois’ social service system? The voters should beware of who they have in office.

Update: September 8, 2008

September 7, 2008

Illinois General Assembly

My name is Fred Nance Jr. I am writing and sending this correspondence advocating for the Human/Social Service agencies and our clients. The correspondence accompanying this cover letter responds to the Illinois Budget Cuts effecting substance abuse and alcohol treatment. The Budget Cuts handed down by Governor Blagojevich and this Assembly has dismantled needed services to this population. Along with my colleagues and peers, I cannot obtain funding for my company or employment because of Governor Blagojevich’s Budget Cuts.

I am President and CEO of C.L.I.C.K. Services, NFP. C.L.I.C.K. is a not-for-profit social service agency. My website is http://www.clickservices.org/. Prior to the development of C.L.I.C.K., I was a victim of substance abuse and alcoholism for 27 years.

I am 59-years-old. For 27 years I was involved in criminal thinking and behaving due to substance abuse and alcoholism, leading to incarceration on January 16, 1992 at the age of 42 for drug related crimes. Upon entry into the Cook County jail at the age of 42 I did not have a G.E.D. I achieved my G.E.D. in the Cook County jail. When I entered the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) in July of 1992 I started taking courses at Lakeland and Kaskaskia Colleges before taking college courses with Roosevelt University. When I was released from IDOC on December 20, 1994, I continued at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Downtown Campus. I achieved my Bachelor and Master Degree from Roosevelt University in Social Science and Community Counseling, respectively. I will complete my PhD in Human Services focusing on Social Policy Analysis and Planning in the Fall/Winter session of 2008 with Walden University.

I attended a NBC Channel 5 press conference promoted by the Honorable Congressman Danny Davis on Saturday, September 6, 2008, regarding the recent budget cuts impacting social services. Press conference speakers included Congressman Danny Davis, Raphael Rivera of Healthcare Alternative Systems, Skip Land of Safe Haven, Melody Heaps of T.A.S.C. and Anthony Cole of Haymarket Center.

This correspondence and its attachments are being sent to all Illinois General Assembly members, that is, House of Representatives and Senators. The attachments have been posted on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/, http://click.townhall.com/, http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/ and http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/.

During our roundtable discussions, before the press conference on Saturday, September 6, 2008, I requested the social service agency in attendance to ask their clients/customers/consumers and laid-off employees to develop blogs on the Internet to tell their story of how the budget cuts of Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly are affecting their substance abuse and alcohol treatment. I asked them to assist them in developing these blogs if they are unable to do it for themselves. 

 

 

 

FY 09 budget cuts issued through The Illinois Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DASA) will decimate the statewide substance abuse treatment and case management system that serves courts and probation. A total of $110 million ($55 in State funds plus an additional $55 in Federal matching dollars) will be eliminated from a $250 million budget, reducing funding to 43% less than last year’s funding levels.

Budget Cuts Result in Thousands Being Denied Critical Services:

An estimated 42,000 people will lose access to treatment services in the next year across the State of Illinois.

Budget Cuts Clog the Criminal Justice System:

The Illinois criminal justice system makes more referrals to publicly funded substance abuse treatment than any other entity, totaling 35% of all referrals to treatment.

The Illinois State’s funding cuts will drastically reduce treatment as a sentencing option.

The justice system will be left with no resources but to release addicted offenders back to the community, hold them indefinitely in already overcrowded jails or send even more nonviolent offenders to prison.

Action Is Needed Now—Delays Increase Costs:

The longer the funding cuts remain in effect the damage caused will cost more and take longer to repair. As clinical staff is laid off across the State of Illinois, and as people in need are turned away from services, it will take far longer to rebuild the system currently being dismantled by Governor Blagojevich and Illinois State Legislature.

Increased County Jail Costs:

With severely diminished or eliminated treatment, an estimated 4,540 offenders this year could wait even longer in jail for disposition (2,880 in Cook County Illinois and 1,660 outside of Cook County Illinois).

For every additional 30 days 4,540 individuals spend in jail (at an estimated $125/day in Cook County Illinois and $70/day outside of Cook County Illinois), it will cost Illinois counties an estimated additional $14.3 million.

Increased State Prison Cost:

Treatment and case management cost an average of $4,425 per person (services are usually delivered over a year to a year and a half). By contrast, 1.5 years in prison (a typical sentence for nonviolent, drug-involved offenders) costs an average of approximately $32,400.

With severely diminished or eliminated treatment, if judges send 4,540 defendants to prison instead of supervised community-based treatment, the State of Illinois could pay an additional estimated $127 million in prison costs.

THE ILLINOIS STATE’S LEADERSHIP MUST WORK TOGETHER TO IDENTIFY A REVENUE SOURCE AND RESTORE FUNDING TO COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT SERVICES IMMEDIATELY.

THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH SHOULD NOT HOLD THE STATE OF ILLINOIS CITIZENS HOSTAGE TO VIOLENCE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO MAKE A POINT TO EACH OTHER.

THE BUDGET CUTS BY GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH AND THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE COULD HAVE TAKEN A 5% CUT ACROSS THE BOARD TO MEET BUDGET DEMANDS.

GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH AND THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE DID NOT CUT THE SHERIDAN PROJECT, WHICH PROVIDES SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT TO INMATES AT SHERIDAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER.

WHAT SENSE DOES IT MAKE TO PROVIDE SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT TO CRIMINAL INCARCERATED IF THERE IS NO VIABLE, SUPPORTIVE, COMPREHENSIVE AND OPTIMAL AFTERCARE TREATMENT?

THE CITIZENS OF ILLINOIS WILL SUFFER TORMENT, INJUSTICE AND INCREASED CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS, THEIR HOMES AND IN THE VERY LIVES.

WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO RESTORE THE BUDGET FOR COMMUNITY-BASED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT? WHO WILL BE THE FIRST TO STAND FOR “REAL” JUSTICE?

Illinois’ South Holland Police Department: Discriminatory Practices, Harassment, Intimidation and Retaliation

Update: August 18, 2008

 

On Saturday, August 16, 2008 at approximately 10:20 pm, I picked up a copy of the South Holland Traffic Crash Report. To my amazement Officer Burrow added another traffic charge. The additional charge is “Improper overtaking/passing….” I do not have an additional ticket for this charge. Officer Burrow may have stepped over the line with this one. There is no end to the discriminatory practices and retaliation of the South Holland Police Department. They will not prevail. I have submitted all documentation to my insurance agent, along with the photos taken at the scene. I will litigate this issue to the full extent of the law.

August 13, 2008

 

Mr. Warren Millsaps

Chief of Police, South Holland

16220 Wausau Ave.

South Holland, Illinois 60473

 

Mr. Millsaps:

 

On August 13, 2008 I, Fred Nance Jr., was involved in an automobile accident. Officer K. Burrow Star #129 responded to the call I made to the South Holland Police Department. When Officer Burrow arrived upon the scene I gave him my driver’s license and insurance card. Officer Burrow asked me for my phone number. Officer Burrow wrote my phone number on my insurance card. This was inappropriate. Officer Burrow issued me a ticket, which states “Fail to reduce speed to avoid accident.” There was no reduction in speed needed for this incident. We were only driving about 5 miles an hour. This is a bogus ticket.

 

I explained to Officer Burrow the following about the car accident: As I came around the bend in the road on Thornwood drive approaching the stop sign, a Dodge Caravan was stopped at the turn in the bend. The Dodge did not have its emergency blinkers on. I could not go around the Dodge at the time because another car was coming in the opposite direction.

 

When the other car went by, I was about to turn out and pass the “parked” Dodge. I blew my horn. The Dodge began to move. I turned back behind the Dodge. I began to move. The Dodge stopped again. I stopped my car. I blew my horn for the second time. The Dodge started moving again. I started moving again to turn out to pass the Dodge. All of sudden, the Dodge came to a dead stop again. This is when the front bumper passenger side of my vehicle hit the rear driver’s side bumper of the Dodge. The Dodge was about 30 to 40 feet from the stop sign. I took photos of the accident scene with my cell phone.

 

The driver of the Dodge got out of her car. This driver had her cell phone in her hand. The driver of the Dodge had been on her cell phone during these events. The driver of the Dodge lives in this complex. The driver of Dodge called her husband to come to the scene of the accident. When the husband came over to talk to her about the accident she informed him she was talking on her cell phone to someone when the accident occurred. The driver of the Dodge did not have an earpiece for her cell phone. She was talking on the cell phone and caused the accident.

 

I took pictures of the accident scene, that is, the position of the cars involved, where the cars had damage, the area between the Dodge and the stop sign, and the area of space I described above where the stop-and-go action occurred. The pictures will be faxed with this letter to South Holland Police Department Chief Millsaps.

 

When I objected to this ticket and refused to accept it from Officer Burrow, Officer Burrow through it in my car window. I informed Officer Burrow I had a AAA bond card, as I told him to give me my driver’s license. I informed Officer Burrow that when he decided to write me a ticket he was supposed to ask me if I had a bond card before taking my driver’s license. Officer Burrow told me don’t tell him how to do his job. I informed Officer Burrow if he was doing his job he would not have taken my driver’s license before asking me if I had a bond card. I informed Officer Burrow I know my rights.

 

Officer Burrow told me I would have come to the police station if I wanted my driver’s license because I was causing a disturbance. My wife drove up at this time. I told Officer Burrow I was not going to the South Holland Police Department to get my driver’s license. Officer Burrow decided to take my bond card but would not give me my driver’s license stating he had to check out if he could accept my bond card. I went to my car to get paper and pen to write information about this incident. After making me wait for several minutes, I had to go to Officer Burrow’s police car, and wait again before he gave me my driver’s license.

 

Officer Burrow should have given both drivers a ticket, if he was going to issue tickets. Officer Burrow was not on the scene when the accident occurred. The only person giving Officer Burrow information about this accident was the driver of the Dodge Caravan and me. If Officer Burrow says he got information from someone else, he is lying.

 

I called the duty officer, Lt. Becka. I informed Lt. Becka of the issues, stating Officer Burrow wrote me a bogus ticket retaliating and threatening me because of my complaints about the South Holland Police Department and him in past writings. I asked Lt. Becka how did he spell his name for the record. Lt. Becka immediately told me that I should know how to spell his name since I have written his name in past complaints.

 

On March 18, 2005 I was involved in a 3-car accident where there were no tickets given by the officer for the South Holland Police Department. I complained because the driver that caused the accident was “white” and should have received a ticket. My car and the other driver of the 3^rd car are “black.” The “white” police officer for the South Holland Police Department decided not to issue the “white” female driver a ticket. When the case was settled the “white” driver was found negligent and the cause of the accident. I filed a formal complaint about this issue with the South Holland Police Department. I never received a reply from the South Holland Police Department on the complaint written on or about March 18, 2005.

 

This is part of what I wrote to Chief Millsaps on or about March 18, 2005:

 

On March 18, 2005 I was involved in a three-car accident at 170^th and Langley. Involved in the car accident was a white woman (Denise Lenting) and her passenger (Bonita Vasquez) driving a Toyota Camry, license plate number 3472264; a black woman (Mary Ambrose) and her son (Sullivan Ambrose age 14) driving a Lexus, license plate number 2720486; and my car (Fred Nance, a black man) driving a Nissan Altima, license plate number 1268347.

 

There was an outside witness to the accident, Ms. Laura Clemons, license plate number C936809, telephone number 708-331-2291. As the Toyota came off of Langley to proceed onto 170^th Street, Ms. Clemons blew her car horn continuously attempting to alert the Toyota driver to the oncoming traffic, the Lexus and Nissan. The Toyota ignored the warning.

 

The Lexus and Nissan driver gave the above information to Officer Kremski (white). Officer Kemski ignored the information about Ms. Clemons stating that if she was a witness she should have stayed on the scene. I asked him why would she have to stay on the scene if she gave her information up freely to be contacted by SHPD. I asked Officer Kremski doesn’t he do an investigation into the facts of the matter. He informed me that he only questions people on the scene about car accidents.

 

I asked him why didn’t he issue tickets so that a fact-finder, such as the courts, could get testimony and seek all witnesses. Officer Kremski informed me that because of his past experiences with traffic court and people not showing up has discouraged him from giving tickets at the scene of accidents. This is ludicrous.

 

The South Holland police officer involved in the March 18, 2005 issue was Kremski, ID #106. I have written about this police officer many times coming to my house harassing and intimidating me (see documents I submitted to you on February 11, 2005). As with Officer Kremski, I have written many times about Officer Burrow harassing and intimidating me coming to my home.

 

Therefore, I am submitting this as a formal complaint against the South Holland Police Department. The ticket I received was bogus and I should not have received it especially, if Officer Burrow was not going to issue the other driver a ticket.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

 

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://frednance.newsvine.com/ 

 

This case was also dismissed, after I wasted my day and time going to court for it. Chief Millsaps never answered this letter.

 

January 2, 2008

 

Mr. Warren Millsaps

Chief of Police, South Holland

16220 Wausau Ave.

South Holland, Illinois 60473

 

Re:       Racial Profiling – Harassment – Intimidation

 

Mr. Millsaps:

 

I, Fred L Nance Jr., am an African American. The racial profiling by the South Holland Police Department (SHPD) continues. On December 31, 2007, Officer Pedric of the SHPD issued a traffic citation to me for improper lane usage on Cottage Grove. This ticket was bogus and inappropriate.

 

As you know, there is only one lane of travel in each direction of travel going North and South on Cottage Grove between 170^th Street and 162^nd Street. If a person wants to make a left turn, they must cross the double lines and enter the lane for turning. If a person decides, after crossing the double lines to make this left turn, they want to return to the lane of original travel, they must cross the double lines again to enter their original lane of travel.

 

Officer Pedric, who is white, decided to stop me and tell me I misused the turning lane to pass another car on the road. This is not true. After entering the turning lane, I decided to get back into the original lane of travel. Officer Pedric did not ask me why I entered the turning lane in the first place. Officer Pedric told me I entered the turning lane to pass the car in front of me.

 

I was traveling North on Cottage Grove from 170^th Street, when a car turned into Cottage Grove from a side street in front of me. This car turned into Cottage Grove where I would have had an accident if I did not go into the turning lane. After going into the turning lane, I came out of the turning lane and re-entered my original lane of travel proceeding on my course. This is when Officer Pedric came upon me with his squad car and stopped me. Officer Pedric did not stop the other car that was driven by the “white” driver.

 

While Officer Pedric was writing my traffic citation, 2 other squad cars appeared on the scene. It is my belief because of previous written complaints about racial profiling and disparate/indifferent treatment of African Americans by SHPD, I was targeted by SHPD. I asked Officer Pedric for the other “white” Officers names and badge numbers. Officer Pedric refused to give me their names and badge numbers. I wrote the officers license plates numbers and car identification numbers down. They are Car #14 M146676 and Car #10 M153782, both “white” officers.

 

I went to SHPD on December 31, 2008 (a few hours after the incident) to report this incident. I asked to speak to the duty commander. I was informed he or she was out in the street on duty. I left a message requesting a call. I never received a call from the duty commander or SHPD.

 

Therefore, I am suggesting SHPD targets African Americans for traffic citations, especially those who complain about their other “professional” practices. I am suggesting Officer Pedric called in my name and I am in their system marked as a person of interest if I am ever stopped or approached about any police matters in South Holland. I am suggesting SHPD has a monthly ticket quota to assist in municipal revenue. I am suggesting SHPD does not adhere to public policy regarding racial profiling and harasses its citizens through intimidation, coercion and threats.

 

I have contested this ticket and will appear in a court of law. Contesting this ticket will cost me employment hours/work days and will become a financial burden to litigate. This financial burden is meant to create disparity and indifferent treatment toward African Americans in South Holland, Illinois.

 

Racism is alive and well in South Holland, Illinois, and in many other parts of Illinois. Illinois may be the most racist State in the Union. The South Holland Police Department is not racially motivated toward equality for all just because they hire African Americans on its police force. I am suggesting they hire African Americans on their police force for political purposes and because of present laws regarding hiring quotas for African Americans.

 

 

Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

 

cc:

 

Mr. DeGraff, Mayor Village of South Holland

http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

 

P.S.

 

See other complaints about the South Holland Police Department on my website at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/