Jim Reed to Tom Curtis: OEA conspiracy? OEA in black hats?

From Tom Curtis
December 11, 2005

Hello Jim,

Most have no idea what long term role the OEA had in all of this mainly because we have never really paid attention until it affected us.

Further, most have no idea that the health care funding issue should have been a high priority on the OEA's list and was not. The OEA claimed they wanted more money on the table for negotiations. Well, I guess hindsight is always more free flowing then foresight. We all tend to shrug away from being in positions of making decisions for the future for fear of being wrong and being blamed for the negative result. As is well known, one bad idea wipes out all of the good ideas one has had in the minds of those standing on the sidelines. I was one of those standing on the sidelines until it affected me and so it goes.

The only information I have in my database about Fairfield Co. came to me last year by Jim Reed. I have him listed as the legislative chair of that group. I will assume that is the other Jim Reed. He provided me with the president’s name for 2005, which were Jim Morgan and his email address (__).

I have since that time usually provided daily emails to that address, but I do not believe I have had a response from him on anything, but then maybe so and I have forgotten about such. Anyway, if you are able to provide me with any names, addresses, phone numbers and email address of those in the Fairfield Co. RTA I will gladly include them on my email listing. As you might assume, many that know nothing about CORE or anyone involved with CORE have little desire to just reach out and become involved. Further, many RTA chapters continue to hold a strong loyalty to ORTA, even though ORTA has not readily corresponded with the individual RTA’s.

It was good to hear that you and Hank will try to attend the January 19th board meeting and CORE meeting. Those meetings should be full of interesting information. We are to have a full report from Buck Consultants concerning the effects of SB190 after 5 years of data. Also, I hope Prof. Thomas Hall, a candidate for an active teacher seat on the board next year will be able to attend that day and speak to our CORE group. At that meeting I will move for CORE to endorse Tom Hall and add our support to his election. I will attach his vita and statement for why he is running for the board.

I think I have mentioned this before, but the STRS board meetings and CORE meeting are normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, with the exception of July, when there is no meeting. Sometimes, such as December, the meetings are moved to the 2nd Thursday because of the Holiday.

Take care and stay warm,

Tom Curtis

From: Jim Reed

Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Subject: OEA Conspiracy?

Tom, I must admit to being a little slow to perceive the OEA's alignment with the STRS during my seven-year crusade. I should have recognized the stench when I was shuffled from one OEA officer to another when I attempted to get some answers about the STRS. The buck didn't stop anywhere!

In our opening day local teachers' meeting back in August we were encouraged to continue supporting the OEA with PAC contributions as had become an annual advertisement. I listened to the appeal as long as I could stomach it and then asked for the floor for a few moments. You could have heard a pin drop. It was heresy for anyone to suggest the OEA might be wearing black hats.

I've continued to stir discussion during the school year in all three buildings in the district.

Also, I'm interested in knowing whether anyone in CORE has heard anything from the Fairfield County Retired Teachers' Association? I certainly would not be opposed to filling their ears, even if I'm not invited. (I've rejected membership based on the fact I've been working part-time since 1998.)

Jim N. Reed