LETTERS: HILLARY SCHMITTZEHE HAS GIVEN HIS BEST TO VIP INDUSTRIES BECAUSE HE CARES

To the editor:

I have read all of the articles in the Missourian concerning VIP Industries. I find some of the comments being made about Hillary Schmittzehe offensive and troubling. Knowing Hillary, I would be most surprised to hear him make any statement in his own defense, but I will attempt to give him a little credit.

VIP was nothing until Hillary began sacrificing himself, his family and his own resources for the benefit of a class of people that most of us choose to ignore. I recall when he started working with these citizens in an old, dilapidated store building on Good Hope in Cape Girardeau several years ago. He had no staff, no funds, no air conditioning, little heat and no help except a few family members who had someone most of us deem to be lacking mentally in some way and were willing to help because of that situation. Since that time, I have seen Hillary give his body, soul, heart and life to ensure that the mentally impaired were treated as first-rate citizens. He has provided for them something to do instead of being nonproductive members of our society. He has caused them to believe in themselves and to have a sense of worth.

Certainly most, if not all, of them are unable to produce as much as those we label as normal. Nonetheless, they should be rewarded for whatever they can do regardless of how minimal it might be. I do not know who determines the amount of compensation, but I am sure it is fair if Hillary has any input in the matter.

Surely a board with the interests of all parties does not merely act as a rubber stamp for Hillary or anyone else. I know that if tax money is involved, someone must give an account for the use of the funds. I am sure an independent annual audit is required by someone, which would reveal any financial improprieties. If they existed, the board would be responsible to make sure corrections were made.

One article indicated that Hillary couldn't be called to task because he had so many lawyers. Knowing how frugal Hillary attempts to oversee VIP Industries to make sure the money is wisely spent, I am sure he doesn't have a group of lawyers on retainer. In fact, he probably has gotten one or more to donate their services. This we will seldom hear about, because most who donate their services are not looking for pats on the back.

I've been in Hillary's office, the warehouses and the other facilities. They do not demonstrate a person who wastes funds. On the contrary, Hillary has been known to sweep the floors, mow the grass, drive a truck, be available at all hours seven days a week and do whatever is necessary to ensure the well-being and happiness of others. I do not believe Hillary has misappropriated any funds, abused anyone nor required anyone to do or attempt to do what they are not capable of doing. He understands these people, their abilities and limitations, because he has one.

I would be remiss if I did not let you and the readers know the following about me:

I do not work for nor do I have any interest in VIP Industries. I do not have any family members who works at VIP, and I currently know only one person who does. I have never served on any VIP board and only know one board member. I have done a limited amount of surveying services for the VIP facilities at Fruitland and Cape Girardeau, never charging VIP my full fee since it is a not-for-profit entity. I am not related to Hillary or any member of his family to my knowledge, and I have never been in his home. I do not even know where he lives. Therefore, I have nothing to gain from writing this letter except to encourage a person I have become acquainted with in a professional way only.

However, I am thankful for people such as Hillary Schmittzehe and applaud his efforts. He isn't perfect, nor will he ever be in this life. I know he has integrity, character and traits which are honorable. I only wish our president had the same qualities. I am also sure he has not always made the right decisions or the best recommendations to his boards. I feel certain he would admit the same privately and publicly.

May God bless him richly in the days ahead, and may all that is good about him and VIP be publicized as well.

LARRY D. DOWDY

Cape Girardeau