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Peter Wiggin, husband of Dori Wiggin, testifies during the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee on Feb. 8.

Committee Considers Investigation of Dori Wiggin Case

A lingering issue left over from the Benson administration landed before a legislative committee on Feb. 8.

Dori Wiggin was the Department of Environmental Services (DES) employee transferred from a Seacoast office to Concord after she cited then-Gov. Craig Benson for illegally arranging for sand to be bulldozed at his oceanfront estate.

Many observers saw a case of retaliation.

The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee took testimony on House Bill 426, which would establish a study committee to investigate the incident.

The hearing included testimony from Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin, Rep. Lee Quandt, SEA President Gary Smith, and Peter Wiggin, the state employee's husband. They described an efficient state employee dedicated to public service.

Rep. Lee Quandt of Exeter, a co-sponsor of the bill, offers the committee a file folder full of evidence supporting Wiggin.

Questions from committee members appeared to indicate that some preferred to avoid the issue of a politically motivated act of retaliation. They suggested that Wiggin's case before the Personnel Appeals Board should run its course. The case has already been pending there for months, and a hearing may not be scheduled for another six months.

 Protection Needed

Smith described an issue broader than the case of one employee.

"Critical to the integrity and effectiveness of state service is the need for state employees to be protected from coercion and retaliation. The services relied upon by the citizens of New Hampshire depend on state employees being able to perform their duties without fear of personal or political retribution." Smith said.

Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin, who represents the Seacoast district, tells the committee that Wiggin's work was respected by groups ranging from conservation organizations to contractors.

"Unfortunately, the issues surrounding Ms. Wiggin's transfer have made very clear that there is insufficient protection against this danger. This is especially true when the danger of retribution originates from within state government itself."

Some of the most dramatic testimony came from Peter Wiggin. He described a process that will be hard to defend on the grounds of either government efficiency or fair treatment.

After 17 years of state service, Ms. Wiggin was transferred on two days' notice. Her territory was so small, she did not have enough work to keep her busy. She asked her supervisors for more territory, including the North Country. 

 Avoiding Court

Wiggin also tried to refute rumors that his wife has taken the case to court.

"We are not suing the state of New Hampshire," he said. "That's not the kind of people we are, which I guess is one of the primary reasons I am here today. We don't want to go down that avenue."

Any further committee action on the bill will be reported here when it happens.