Opinion ID: 1822704
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: issue twodue process

Text: ¶ 54. Crystal Lake argues that it was denied due process when LIRC rejected the hearsay testimony of Phillip Robertson, regarding the cost of constructing a wheelchair accessible bathroom. Crystal Lake contends that LIRC should have consulted with the ALJ regarding Robertson's credibility. Catlin, however, argues that Crystal Lake was not denied due process by LIRC's failure to consult with the ALJ regarding credibility issues, since LIRC's decision did not depend on the credibility of the witness. Because credibility was not the basis upon which the commission's decision hinged, the commission and the examiner were not required to consult. Rather, the testimony of Robertson was dismissed because it was uncorroborated hearsay. Catlin, therefore, asserts that LIRC was correct to reject the finding of the ALJ, since crucial findings cannot be based on hearsay testimony alone. Village of Menomonee Falls v. DNR, 140 Wis. 2d 579, 610, 412 N.W.2d 505 (Ct. App. 1987). ¶ 55. In support of her position, Catlin points out LIRC reached its decision because of its interpretation of how Wis. Stat. § 111.34 should be applied to the case, and that credibility was not a factor in reaching that decision. Crystal Lake had an opportunity to present its argument at the hearing and the ALJ ruled in its favor. Catlin argues that the fact that LIRC reached a result different than the ALJ does not mean that Crystal Lake's due process rights were violated. Simply put, there were reasonable alternative conclusions one could draw from the testimony and LIRC chose one that was different than the ALJ's. Consequently, Crystal Lake's due process rights were not violated by LIRC's decision. ¶ 56. Crystal Lake maintains that it was denied due process not only when LIRC failed to confer with the ALJ on issues of credibility, but when LIRC rejected evidence that was admitted without objection at the hearing. More specifically, Crystal Lake points out that while the ALJ determined that Catlin had to regularly perform the functions of the other positions in the department, LIRC determined the opposite without ever conferring with the ALJ. Crystal Lake argues that due process would have required LIRC to confer with the ALJ before reversing the ALJ's determination. ¶ 57. Essentially, Crystal Lake argues that LIRC's failure to consult with the ALJ prior to reversing the decision, as well as its rejection of Robertson's testimony on hearsay grounds, constituted a denial of due process and ultimately led to LIRC's finding that there was a reasonable accommodation that Crystal Lake could have provided without hardship. ¶ 58. Catlin argues that the LIRC decision did not depend on the credibility of witness testimony, but rather that LIRC interpreted the testimony in a different way. For example, rather than accepting the ALJ's determination that Catlin regularly assisted others in the wholesale department, LIRC only noted that the record did not indicate the frequency with which she assisted the other workers. Catlin argues that there were reasonable alternative conclusions one could draw from the same testimony, and just because LIRC happened to reach a conclusion that was different from the ALJ, and against Crystal Lake's interest, does not imply that Crystal Lakes' due process rights were violated. ¶ 59. Essentially, Catlin argues that LIRC reached its decision because of its interpretation of how Wis. Stat. § 111.34 should be applied to the case, and that credibility was not a factor in reaching that decision. As a result, LIRC did not violate Crystal Lake's due process rights. ¶ 60. We agree and hold that Crystal Lake was not denied due process by LIRC's failure to consult with the ALJ regarding credibility since LIRC's findings were not based upon the credibility of the operation manager's testimony. Rather, LIRC reached its decision because of its interpretation of how Wis. Stat. § 111.34 should be applied to this case. Put differently, the facts of the case and LIRC's interpretation of the statute were the real reasons for LIRC's decision. Thus, we hold that since LIRC's decision did not hinge upon witness credibility, [20] LIRC was not required to consult with the ALJ and, therefore, Crystal Lake was not denied due process.