Molly Janczyk & Tom Mooney: Election 2006

"We will certainly reach out for support of CORE and other interested groups." Tom Mooney

Isn't it nice to hear words like the above words? OEA needs to go a long way to match this sentiment. John

----- Original Message ----- From: "molly janczyk"

Sent: Friday, November 18, 2005 1:39 PM Subject: Tom Mooney on Election 2006

Thank you, Tom. Your openness is much appreciated! Molly

From: "Tom Mooney" To: "molly janczyk"Subject: Re: Tom Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2005 13:13:58 -0500

Molly,

We are open to supporting a non-OFT member. I made the same pts. to our screening committee that you are making here. We have to build and sustain coalitions. If Don Lakes decides he's interested, and has the support of his local, we will certainly look at him. We are looking at Tom Hall via resume at this point and then the committee will decide whether they want to interview. We will certainly reach out for support of CORE and other interested groups. I appreciate all your comments, Molly.

All the best,

Tom

November 17, 2005 6:04 PM Subject: Tom

Dear Tom, I met Don Lakes today as he came with Bob Buerkle to the STRS meeting. We spoke of his candidacy and it seems he felt it was too late to begin the process for this year. I told him of your gracious delay until Dec. 3 for a final decision and that you were willing to interview those seeking OFT endorsement, Lakes looked at Bob and said he'd like to talk with you. Bob indicated he would get in touch both having your email and phone number.

I think you will find Don extremely markatable for a candidacy and very qualified being both a classroom educator AND having expertise to hit the ground running with his background in health care. As you know, he is also OFT. Please do speak with him for your consideration.

Re: Prof: Tom Hall:

Several pts:

1. Is there anyway he can be affiliated even loosely with AFT-OFT?
2. If not, I know you will speak with him, but please consider endorsing a candidate outside of OFT for the common good as you will have a least one OFT candidate, for sure in the election process.
3. I think you will find such support among STRS membership from all groups in general and build a larger political base of voters though all not officially OFT. -Many members already are speaking highly of Jeff Chapman. They don't know Mary Ann as well. Jeff came to speak and meet with us and approaches membership very cordially and always seems engaged and interested in hearing what all have to say. I was so impressed that he made sure to connect that he had passed on election names to you and made sure we were all informed when your interviewing was only the next day or two. -Some members want to know your candidates to see if we can back them as they trust OFT so far from what they have seen. I added that you have been on the side of membership since day one. -Some STRS membership wonder if we can't get behind the same candidates even if one is not OFT; STRS members help you and you help members not officially OFT.
4. We are not after a person to answer to any special group: we just want a highly qualified educator whose wish is to work for membership per ORC:3307.15 to the best of their ability and conscience. We don't care who they are and will support the best candidates.

Personally, I feel we need a higher level of expertise in this time of crisis. It is difficult for a classroom educator to come in and play catch up which seems to be the case for Conni Ramser. We are in a time of crisis and need educators who understand finances, market trends, investments, health care issues and procedures AND stand for membership as well.

We are in desparate circumstances and we need the best we can find who can understand immediately the inner workings and be part of the solution ASAP vs. having to spend time on training and learning difficult language, trends, elaborate and detailed briefs, etc.

We need board members who present the best qualifications regardless of affiliations so all of us gain. To endorse such candidates only makes all of us look better to concerned members.

I know you will consider all aspects and for that, I am grateful. I also know you will find that CORE is NOT as you may have heard but a group of very hardworking members who are open and willing to change and with many fading into the background yet always with a watchful eye and willingness to step forward as needed, if we feel membership is truly being represented by the best board members. Of course, some will be most open to >>involvement on committees to attend and keep others apprised of board actions and seek input >>from RTA and active membership around the state. Malcontents! Yes! With a system that to use your words: 'burdened retirees unfairly.' Yes. Hard and difficult? No! We have had to fight ALONE for a long time and do what it took to make changes. We had no one but ourselves and some organizations didn't like what we accomplished around them and in spite of them. THAT does not mean we think we did it all....................but it does mean we know we had a positive part in bringing many changes. Most are gentle souls who only want to go back to their retirements though they will never fall asleep at the switch again.

Sincerely, Molly J