CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Some state prison workers are lobbying to keep their boss.

Gov. John Lynch wants Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn to take over leadership of the Corrections Department from Commissioner Stephen Curry, who was selected by former Gov. Craig Benson.

Lt. Paul Cascio, who works at the Goffstown women’s prison, said he has given members of the Executive Council a petition in support of Curry. The Executive Council votes on nominations made by the governor. At least one of the five executive councilors has said she wants Curry to stay and will not support the governor’s replacement.

Lynch has said Wrenn will bring stability and vision and get prison employees all working together.

“Commissioner Curry’s term is up,” said Lynch’s spokeswoman Pamela Walsh. “The governor wants someone who can move the department beyond labor management conflicts.”

Relations between Curry and the state workers’ union have been strained since he took the job. The union took two votes of no confidence in him and has filed two unfair labor practice complaints with the Public Employee Labor Relations Board.

But some employees had high praise for Curry and say they want him to remain.

“He takes the time to go around and talks to the officers,” said Sgt. Tricia Thompson, a recruiter for the Concord prison.

“He tells us his goals and plans for the department. He tells us what cuts might be coming and what we can do now to prevent them,” said Rick Lagace, who manages the warehouse for the Berlin prison.

Cpl. Erika Cunningham, who works at the Goffstown women’s prison, said Curry has consolidated policies to make them easier for employees to follow.

“We are happy with what we have, and we want him to stay,” she said.