Medford's Hostile Work Environment

 Dear Mr. President and Members of the City Council:

 

   During the past 14 days I have received telephone calls from two (2) City of Medford Department Heads. They are Budget and Finance Director Aleesha Nunley-Benjamin and Veteran’s Services Director Michael Durham. 

 

   Each of them, independently, told me about specific occurrences, communications and actions that they each have experienced which, at a minimum, indicate they are undertaking their daily job duties in a hostile work environment.

 

   On June 11, 2021, on behalf of Ms. Nunley-Benjamin, I transmitted “cease and desist” correspondence to the Mayor Lungo-Koehn, Chief of Staff Rodrigues, Diversity Director Osborne and City Solicitor Kimberly Scanlon. I am attaching a copy of that correspondence to this email.

 

   In addition, Veteran’s Director Durham forwarded to me a compendium of emails that describe various disturbing occurrences, communications to which he has been subjected. It is also attached to this email.

 

   You will find as part of Director Durham’s compendium emails describing the matter of his “stipend” as hearing officer, ethical matters and issues pertaining to veterans.

 

   Both Ms. Nunley-Benjamin and Mr. Durham have requested my representation and I have agreed. 

 

   Each has requested that I forward this correspondence to the Council with the hope that this disclosure will inform the Council and prompt its action to address what can only be described as a toxic work environment. 

 

Very truly yours,

 

Attorney Mark E. Rumley

50 Woodrow Avenue

Medford, MA 02155

781-589-2719

Rumley.mark@gmail.com

 

"With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds,
           let us  go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help,
                   but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

                                                 President John F. Kennedy