Al Rhonemus' letter to Judge Reece

November 14, 2005

Dear Judge Reece:

I am appalled and disappointed in your decision to pay bonuses to the noninvestment staff at the State Teachers Retirement System.

First: Their positions do not carry as much responsibility as many of us who taught in overcrowded classrooms for our entire lifetime in poorer school districts.

Second: These bonuses coupled with free health care, much reduced priced or free child care, outstanding work environment and other perks puts that staff way ahead of other employees even in the Columbus area.

Third: In this day of equality for all – those of us who chose teaching as a career (and I am proud to have been a teacher) paid for many teaching materials out of our own pockets because the districts did not have the funds available. Yet we survived on low income – retired with a promise from STRS counselors of lifetime health care and income. Now those counselors who made these promises receive the benefits of bonuses (which I understand was not in a written contract) while we older retirees are struggling to stay alive.

My question to you, "Is this equality?" I think not.

I believe you must reconsider your decisions – they are unethical, unfair and most of all just plain unreasonable.

Sincerely,

Al Rhonemus
Aberdeen, OH

- Retired teacher after 31+ years.
- World War II Veteran
- A proud American believing in EQUALITY for all