Friday, February 15, 2008

Letter to AG Lori Swanson (click to enlarge)





11 comments:

Anonymous said...

A Humphrey hire, a Hatch hire, a Swanson hire. Hard to point the finger of blame.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking this stand. It gives me hope that maybe we actually can achieve a better working environment -- for the good of everyone who works here, as well as the clients and citizens we serve.

Anonymous said...

That is about the bravest thing that I've seen in a while.

While I wish that being so forthright would lead to more constructive communications, my guess is that 102 has begun to paper the three attorney's files with negative reviews.

It is bizarre that being in favor of a union automatically means that you are against Lori. Most people weren't, but that is how all actions are being cast. And, unfortunately, the environment is turning more toxic.

It's time for the legislature to step in, declare a union, and be done with this stuff. I am sure Governor Pawlenty would support it, and certainly the D-F-Labor party would push it through. Or would they?

Anonymous said...

I am one of the 50ish attorneys who have left the AGO since Lori was elected. I was in favor of the union. More specifically I was in favor of some form of process for termination in light of the political nature of the job. I think what these three did is amazing and I hope that the rest of the current employees in the office rally around them and make something positive happen out of what I know has been a long and challenging road. Many of us are reading this blog with interest, and are cheering for you!

Anonymous said...

I see our honorable Solicitor General is featured in a Strib article about the state pension fund and the Heins Mills and Olson case against Time Warner.

http://www.startribune.com/local/15724347.html

Among myraid other questions this article brings to the surface, I can't help but wonder if Alan left the AGO in early 2003 to "avoid a potential conflict after his wife became a judge," why is he back at the AGO?

Anonymous said...

I am another one of the attorneys who left the AGO last year. I would also like to say thank you to the three AAGs who have had the courage to publicly speak out. It is tremendously heartening to see people who have the strength of character and will to stand up to a bully who has excelled at perpetuating a climate of fear and intimidation. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I am another attorney who left the AGO last year, frustrated and disgusted with the management and saddened to see the enormous potential of the office and its talented attorneys squandered by short-sighted "leadership." Thank you Dan, Susan and Amy for speaking out and keeping the union efforts alive.

Anonymous said...

The letter to Lori Swanson was hand delivered to 102 State Capitol before 8:30 am Thursday and mailed the night before. The receptionist was asked to sign for the letter. The person delivering the letter was known to the receptionist. Lori claims she wasn't made aware of the letter by her own staff and that she only heard about it from a friend several days later when it was posted on this blog for purposes of sharing with all interested parties.

Anonymous said...

For those of you thinking a union would be beneficial for you as an employee, be careful. You may get what you wish for. I have been a MAPE union employee for 20 years. The last 6 years have been give backs to the State at contract time. Great work MAPE. Unionization would be the last thing I would hope for, for the AGs office.

Anonymous said...

To the MAPEr and comment on 2/21: Point taken. Some of us in MAPE are still glad we have a union when it comes to having an advocate on our side for just these types of issues that these attorneys are trying to deal with. Still better than being out there on your own. I've also been in AFSCME; I'd strongly suggest you pursue representation by MAPE, AFSCME while still larger has become/is becoming less strong than MAPE, at least in the 3 agencies I've been in MAPE has much more respect.

Anonymous said...

One comment: Bergson, nothing like calling the kettle black eh? It's quite ironic that you of all people are talking about ethics; I didn't know you had any!