Janet Sparks writes at Blue MauMau …for the past few years there have been new efforts on the part of franchisees and their associations to pass fair franchising laws in various states. Executive director Jim Coen of the Maine Franchise Owners Association states, “There are many fine businesspeople who have been terribly harmed by predatory franchising behaviors, and we hope to put an end to that all consuming power these people hold with some protection for franchisees under the law in states.”
The International Franchise Association and its franchisor members repeatedly tell legislators that franchising is already over regulated and no state laws are needed. Perhaps what lawmakers need most in making their decision is seeing the faces of some of the franchise owners and hearing from their lips how they have been egregiously harmed in franchising.
*******
Four years ago to this day, Michael Barbera walked into his home in Rochester, New York and called 911. “I had an accident. No one needs an ambulance. There will be no danger to anyone. I’m in the bathroom and the front door will be open,” he stated in his emergency phone call.
When the investigating police officer arrived, he found the door cracked open about six inches. The officer announced himself several times, with no response. He then entered the residence and walked down the hallway to the bathroom.
The Greece Police Department report, parts of it redacted, states that the officer waited for additional backup to arrive before checking the rest of the residence. Eight officers and a technician arrived and two processed the death scene. One notified the medical examiner’s office. The examiner arrived at approximately 2:00 p.m. The time of death was declared to be 2:15 p.m., January 11, 2010.
The autopsy report confirmed Mike’s death as a suicide.