Dear Governor Lynch:

We, the undersigned, object to the threats and retaliation employed by DJJS Director William Fenniman against the direct care staff at the Sununu Youth Services Center.

The direct care staff have tried to work with Director Fenniman in good faith manner since he announced in April his intent to implement drastic schedule changes at the facility. The Director's proposal is a step backwards for the facility. It does not account for treatment, population fluctuations, or staff and resident safety. It is not based on a realistic view of how the facility works. Many of the Director's cost savings are dubious and likely unachievable.

The direct care staff have presented a schedule that accounts for treatment and operational needs as well as staff and resident safety, while remaining within the current budget restrictions. But on July 4th, Director Fenniman's new schedules went into effect, turning the institution upside down

The Director and his administration have repeatedly threatened employees with retaliation, discipline, and termination. This point was highlighted the week of July 14th. A report about the situation in the weekly SEA newsletter was followed within hours by an email memorandum threatening employees with discipline. The discussion between Commissioner Toumpas and the Executive Council about the situation was followed within hours by the ejection of SEA representatives from the Center. Employees and the juveniles have been pulled into "investigatory" meetings with management. Director Fenniman has created a climate of fear at the facility. He is earning his vote of no-confidence more and more each day.

We do not accept that state employees can be retaliated against for simply raising their voices about issues at the Sununu Youth Services Center. The Director has relatively little experience in the complex work of running a juvenile detention center, while they have made this work their careers. Speaking out is well within their rights as state employees -- in fact, it is their moral obligation to the Center's youth.

Staff should not be punished for expressing opinions based on their experience. Retribution is illegal under state law. It is also just plain wrong.

We, the undersigned, call on you to end Director Fenniman's campaign of retribution, to withdraw any retaliatory actions which have been already been initiated, and to require Director Fenniman to begin to work cooperatively and respectfully with his subordinates.