Text: January 4, 2012Representative Kurt ZellersSpeaker of the House463 State Office BuildingSt. Paul, MN 55155Senator David SenjemSenate Majority Leader121 CapitolSt. Paul, MN 55155Dear Speaker Zellers and Majority Leader Senjem:Citizens on the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) have raisedconcerns regarding the unilateral dismissal of Susan Thornton as Executive Director of theLCCMR.In a December 22, 2011, letter to Speaker Zellers, citizen co-chairs Nancy Gibson and JeffreyBroberg detailed their concern that the Chair and the Director of the Legislative CoordinatingCommission (LCC) lack the statutory authority to unilaterally dismiss Ms. Thornton withoutinput and consent from the LCCMR. I understand that they asked that the issue be addressed in apublic hearing. To my knowledge, Ms. Gibson and Mr. Broberg have not yet received a responseregarding their request.Since that letter was sent, it is my understanding the LCC has hired an attorney to represent it inthis matter. I also understand that Representative Hackbarth is attempting to cancel the LCCMRmeeting scheduled for January 10, 2012.In light of the public attention on the decision to terminate Ms. Thornton, the LCCMR shouldmeet on January 10 to transparently address the questions and concerns raised about Ms.Thornton's termination.I also request as a member of the LCC that you provide the commission members withinformation about whether an attorney has, in fact, been hired to represent the LCC and theanticipated costs and potential outcomes of such litigation. I also request that Senator Senjemconvene a meeting of the LCC in the near term to more fully discuss these issues.Sincerely,Paul ThissenHouse Minority LeaderCC: Legislative Coordinating Commission MembersSenator Tom Bakk, Senate Minority LeaderRepresentative Matt Dean, House Majority LeaderRepresentative Mary Liz HolbergRepresentative Morrie LanningRepresentative Tom TillberrySenator Michelle FischbachSenator Michelle BensonSenator Gary DahmsSenator Barb Goodwin