Justice for Alix

Please join me to support Alix Turner who has mounting legal expenses relating to her battle.  Her 'truth to power' battle has cost her dearly and is worth fighting for, for Lancaster and our seniors.

Alix Turner is a long time Lancaster resident, serving on many boards and committees and has filled many roles that she truly loves. It would be difficult to list all of the ways that Alix brings joy and support to all of the Lancaster residents she encounters.  Alix is a true gift and Lancaster is incredibly lucky to have her. 

Alix's world was turned upside down as she found herself being treated very unfairly at least, but more likely, illegally.  On November 28, 2018, Alix was suddenly and unexpectedly suspended from her job for alleged financial mismanagement.  She reports that her supervisor asked her to quit and threatened, that should she refuse, she would be fired and 'once word got out, would never get another job. 

She opted to fight and hired an excellent labor lawyer to do so. She requested to be heard, and finally, two months later, on Tuesday, February 5, 2019,  she had an opportunity to have a hearing.  Her initial hearing was continued until February 14th, at which point the decision was made that she could return to work. Her legal expenses remain high, well in excess of $10,000 for charges that were not supported, and though grave concerns remain about the illegal process, she has opted to return to the job she loves.

Has she been a perfect employee? No. Alix has admitted that she has lost receipts, and she has challenged certain financial policies and procedures, seeking  more beneficial and economical methods. The allegations against her, however, are not as straightforward as has been suggested and ultimately result from a lack of management and staff support. There are no allegations of theft or malfeasance. Personnel rules clearly state that allegations of the nature which Alix is accused, should be dealt with through a specific, progressive, disciplinary policy.  These regulations were bypassed and went straight to termination for cause. To be clear, Alix has never received a formal verbal or written warning regarding actions relating to financial mismanagement – not once -  since she began in 2012.

Over the past two months, Alix has been accruing large legal expenses in hopes of preserving her livelihood and her reputation and to make sure her employer knows they need to follow our laws; specifically, personnel by-laws that set forth processes for dealing with employment issues.

Had the bylaws been honored, this could have been resolved at no cost to the town or Alix or residents. Following the by-laws is the right thing to do. Every institution needs good, well-managed employees.  Alix Turner is a good employee.

Please join me in supporting her quest to make sure she is a good 'well-managed' employee by supporting her battle to enforce the by-laws.  
Should any contributions remain after legal expenses are covered, they will be donated to Lancaster community funds in need.

Thank you for your consideration,

Kelly Quill

"Aggressive fighting for the right is the noblest sport the world affords"
-Theodore Roosevelt