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Committee hears reappointment testimony from BJ Stinger for Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Summary
BJ Stinger, a reappointment candidate for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, described family ties to the commission and said the board meets quarterly to oversee programs and the agency administrator. Senators praised his perspective and will vote on the reappointment at the next meeting.
BJ Stinger appeared before the Idaho Senate Health & Welfare Committee for consideration of his reappointment to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Stinger said his family has long ties to the commission — “my grandpa was a client of theirs” dating to the late 1960s — and described a personal commitment to helping people who are blind or visually impaired. He told the committee the commission typically meets once a quarter to review reports from agency divisions, oversee the administrator and consider changes to policy and procedure.
Senator Melissa Wintrow asked Stinger to describe the board’s duties and his qualifications. Stinger said the board helps ensure programs are “running smoothly,” advises on policy and oversees the commission administrator. When asked what the public should know about working with people who have visual impairments, Stinger advised simple, practical courtesies: say hello, offer help if someone appears to be struggling, and avoid vague directions such as pointing and saying “over there.” He urged “compassion and empathy.”
The committee did not vote at the hearing; members told Stinger they will take the reappointment up at the committee’s next meeting.
