Phoenix Businessmen Meet
Director of Licenses
By Yousuf Bhuvad
In
an effort to raise the issues and the concerns of the local
small businesses, a group of local Pakistani business owners
met with the State of Arizona Director of Licenses and Inspections
Mr. Jerry O. Senior. The State officials present at the meeting
included Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Director of
the Department. The meeting took place at the Director's office
in Phoenix on September 13, 2007.
The purpose of the meeting was to apprise the officials of
the problems encountered in the inspection of businesses owned
by small businessmen (stores, convenience, gas, retail etc.).
Many inspectors, who come for routine inspections or detailed
inspection, behave unprofessionally and sometime use language
without any regards to the customers or female business owners.
The issues discussed in the subject meeting included:
1. Specify difference between usual inspection and an inspection
with a pre-determined reason.
2. Inspections with intimidation in presence of customers
4. Attitude of inspectors indicate as if they are dealing
with criminals
5. Lack of cultural understanding (especially when talking
with women).
6. Questions probing the ethnicity of business owners
7. Payroll questions that can be asked from CPA
8. Role of Inspectors, City Police and DPS in inspections
The meeting lasted for an hour. The Director listened to the
complaints with patience and expressed his support for resolving
the problems. Taking note of the complaints, he stated that
communication may be the main issue. He emphasized the need
for additional trainings on the part of inspectors to deal
with people with diverse backgrounds.
He indicated that he would love to come to a local ethnic
event or gathering, provided his schedule allowed it. He showed
keen interest in addressing the community. He wanted to reach
out and make a mutual understanding of rules, regulations
and cultural understanding. He inquired about community business
organization and publications.
The business owners left the meeting with the satisfaction
that that they had an opportunity to talk openly and directly
with the high level officials of the Arizona State government.
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