[CPProt.net] Next step unclear on museum chief

[MSN CPPnet]

Next step unclear on museum chief
 
By Ryan Jockers
Staff Writer

June 11, 2005

NORWALK -- With the Historical Commission seeking a review of the
performance of Norwalk Museum Curator Susan Gunn, it was unclear yesterday
whether such an investigation will occur.

The commission unanimously voted Thursday to ask Personnel Director Sara
LeTourneau to determine whether Gunn "should be disciplined for her
unsatisfactory performance." It also voted unanimously to issue a vote of no
confidence against Gunn.

LeTourneau did not return repeated requests for comments yesterday. Calls
left at her home and office, and an e-mail request for comment, went
unanswered.

Jeffry Spahr, the city's deputy corporation counsel, said after the
commission meeting Thursday that LeTourneau "can do what she wants. She does
not have to take any action."

Gunn will continue working until she's told otherwise, her attorney, Mark
Carey, of Fairfield, said Thursday.

Carey said he believes the city is trying to fire Gunn in retaliation for
her airing a complaint alleging unethical conduct by Ralph Bloom, her
predecessor and a Historical Commission member. Carey said he'd file a
federal lawsuit if Gunn is fired.

Gunn's September complaint, filed under a state whistle-blower law
protecting employees who disclose their employer's unethical practices,
alleged Bloom acted unethically by voting in matters involving the Norwalk
Museum, which leases space in a building owned by a partnership of which
Bloom is a partner.

Bloom has declined to comment on the complaint.

Historical Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Robinson said the request for a
performance review and the vote of no confidence stemmed from Gunn not doing
her job.

She said Gunn has failed to complete a number of tasks the commission asked
her to do late last year.

Lewis Brey, a Westport attorney representing the union to which Gunn
belongs, Norwalk Municipal Employees Association, said a grievance would
overturn any decision to fire Gunn. He said the city doesn't have a case to
fire her. 

Southern Connecticut Newspapers