By Chris Moore

chris.moore@panews.com

 

BEAUMONT — A county commissioner expressed serious concerns about using a Port Arthur-based social service agency as the county’s long-term recovery group, which would be charged with disbursing public funds.

Jefferson County commissioners held a workshop Monday to clarify some misgivings they had with “Help! I’m Hurting!”

The organization is trying to become the county’s long-term recovery group to help those adversely affected by Tropical Storm Harvey. The commissioners spent nearly 45 minutes asking the organization about its operating policies, procedures and experience.

Following the workshop, District 3 Commissioner Michael Sinegal said he was not impressed.

“If we had to vote on it after the workshop, they still wouldn’t have received my vote,” Sinegal said Tuesday. “It didn’t go very well. I’m not trying to get in a personality dispute with them. My only concern is finding someone that can help the community. They gave a lot of general information. When I asked questions, I asked questions that I already knew the answer to. Their answers did not impress me.”

Last week, the commissioners postponed voting on the appointment of a long-term recovery group in order to gather more information. Sinegal had concerns about the organization’s lack of transparency. Sinegal said that if ‘Help! I’m Hurting!’ did not make him feel more comfortable about the decision that he would vote against the appointment.

Sinegal said that he felt the workshop embarrassed the organization by forcing them to answer questions publicly.

“I was pleased to see the other commissioners step in and ask some questions that I already had written down. There were some questions I had that I didn’t ask because I thought it would embarrass them. (The questions were about) how things were voted on. How many board members would show up. If you asked them to provide the minutes for those meetings, I don’t think they would be able to,” he said.

The workshop concluded with no vote. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said that appointing a long-term recovery group does not require a commissioners’ vote but he wanted to get their input on the organization.

Port Arthur Interim Police Chief John Owens, who is listed on the organization’s website as a board member for “Help! I’m Hurting!,” said he is in the process of becoming an adviser rather than a board member due to a lack of free time.

“It’s been several months since I met with them,” Owens said. “I talked with Pastor (Randy) Vaughn about being an adviser. I still have to submit my letter.”

Owens said during his time as board member, the members met “two or three times” to discuss acquiring funds.

Owens said that he believed in the organization and that it was doing good work in the community.

“This city needs this,” he said.

Fernando Ramirez is listed on the organization’s website as a board member but said he is in the process of resigning because he doesn’t have the time to dedicate to the organization.

“They brought me in to help with the Hispanic community,” he said. “They didn’t want to just help the black community. They wanted to help everyone. My experience with them is the complete opposite (of what Sinegal said). They were very upfront and brought people in from out of state for trainings to make sure we knew what we were doing.”

Ramirez said that when the organization started, the board would meet at least once month.

“Sometimes we would meet two or three times a month if we had trainings.”

Ramirez said that he was the secretary and kept minutes for the board meetings.

“There was a problem,” Ramirez said. “I was the one that recorded the meeting and transcribed them and brought them back to the board. One time I didn’t have the time to transcribe them. That’s why I chose to resign. I had a lot of other stuff going on. I’m teaching citizenship class and running a Spanish newspaper. I’m actually turning in my resignation letter soon because I’m not able to give them the time they deserve.”

Ramirez said he still believes in the work “Help! I’m Hurting!” is doing and still supports them.

“Help! I’m Hurting!” Executive Director Cheryl Brewer was not available for comment Tuesday. At Monday’s meeting, Brewer was asked about her credentials for leading the organization, and she replied that her work experience was limited.

Branick said that he still wanted to talk to some people but said he expects to decide by the middle of the week.