Dennis Leone to Sen. Marc Dann: ORC 3307.15

From: Dennis Leone
To: Sen. Marc Dann
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Subject: ORC 3307.15
Dear Senator Dann --
I, like John Curry, hope you are elected as AG. I hope, when you have a minute, that you review 2 things: (1) ORC 3307.15, which lists the statutory responsibility of all STRS Board members to make decisions that are only in the best interest of STRS members and their beneficiaries; and (2) The new pension reform language contained SB 133 -- passed on June 16, 2004 -- which mandates that the AG to enforce ORC 3307.15, and pursue civil charges, removal, and restitution against pension board members who engage in misconduct.
I am the person who (in May of 2003) discovered and published the terrible misspending practices of the former STRS executive director and former STRS Board members. At the urging of retirees, I ran for the STRS Board and was elected on May 7, 2005. It bothered me greatly in 2003 and 2004 when neither Betty Montgomery or Jim Petro had the fortitude to enforce the spirit of 3307.15. They wouldn't do it, simply put, because they were part of the Board that was engaged in misconduct. SB 133 removed them from the Board, which has eliminated the ridiculous conflict of interest that existed.
I look forward to working with you.
Dennis Leone