LIKE most people, I never paid much attention to the activities of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities because I am lucky enough not to have disabilities myself.
Now, however, as a resident and business owner in the CNMI, it was a matter of grave concern to me upon reading that Mr. Thomas Camacho is being terminated as executive director of the Governor’s Council On Developmental Disabilities. Let me explain this change in my attitude.
After years of the usual business owner’s frustration when dealing with negative, unknowledgable government bureaucrats, both here and in the U.S., it was a sense of trepidation that I approached Mr. Camacho to request his help and advice on some important issues concerning the proper and unique aspects of dealing with individuals with disabilities in the business world.
Contrary to my expectations, Mr. Camacho patiently listened to my questions and concerns and treated me in an extremely professional and courteous manner. He exhibited an in-depth knowledge of the needs and abilities of people with disabilities and demonstrated great concern for their welfare as well as addressing my concerns and requirements as a business owner.
Mr. Camacho devoted a lot of time explaining the laws pertaining to individuals with disabilities, their special needs and requirements, and the moral issues involved. He went on to give me excellent advice on training my employees to properly respond to the needs of patrons with disabilities and how to correctly address issues that may arise between patrons with disabilities and patrons without disabilities.
Mr. Camacho even went so far as to visit my place of business in the evening to observe the particular individual involved, and make further suggestions to guide both sides in helping each other. He has made additional follow-up visits on his own time to check the progress everyone was making.
To sum up all of these, suffice it to say that Mr. Camacho took what was initially perceived to be a problem by myself, my staff and my customers and turned it into a very positive experience for all concerned. The individual with severe disabilities has not only had his special needs addressed, but has become a friend to myself, my staff, and my customers. For his part this individual now feels fully accepted and his quality of life has been greatly improved.
None of this positive outcome could have been accomplished without the outstanding help and professional knowledge provided to us by Mr. Camacho. I must therefore, state that in my opinion the termination of Mr. Camacho would be a great disservice to the people of the CNMI, whether with disabilities or not. He has demonstrated exemplary devotion to his duties and possesses all of the best qualities that our government and commonwealth have to give.
I urge all residents of the CNMI to support the retention of Mr. Camacho in his present position and allow him to continue to serve the people of the commonwealth in the manner we all deserve.ROY J. SMITH
Garapan, Saipan
