Election 2006: CORE-endorsed Candidates: Tom Hall and Mark Fredrick

From Molly Janczyk, 1/25/06

Correction [from Molly]: Mark Fredrick is an English classroom teacher, not a Math teacher.

CORE (Concerned Ohio Retired Educators) is endorsing Active Prof. Tom Hall and Active classroom teacher Mark Fredrick. OFT is also endorsing Mark Fredrick as an OFT member. CORE represents all educators who will be retired under STRS' pension system. Actives, the future retirees, and current retirees are the membership of CORE unless they chose not to be.

CORE formed as a result of misspending by the former OEA controlled Board Members of 2001-2003. These spending abuses were uncovered by Dennis Leone and John Lazares. Dennis Leone requested information from STRS and was provided data by Damon Asbury, current Exec. Direc. who was Ass't Exec. Direc. at the time. Leone then researched and found numerous areas of misspending and informed the public at the 5/03 STRS Board Meeting. Some of the STRS membership had notified media by then and investigative reporters researched and verified all the facts set forth in Leone's report.

Reporter Stephen Ohlemacher of "The Cleveland Plain Dealer" broke the story on 6/08/03 with follow up articles on 6/12/03, etc. Reporter Paul Kostyu of "The Canton Repository" won an award for his excellent journalism reporting on the STRS abuses. Leone was interviewed on ONN. Various other media sources ran articles and interviews including a series by Jeff Hirsch of Ch.
12 in Cincinnati. Leone's report, researched articles, etc. are available on request. Leone also received a Journalism Award for his report.

Information was turned over to the Ohio Ethics Commission (OEC)who found ethics violations and forwarded them to the Prosecutor. Lara Baker, Prosecutor, has filed charges against former Exec. Direc. of STRS, Herb Dyer, who was forced to step down, and Hazael Sidaway, former OEA Active Board Memeber. Herb Dyer pled no contest, was fined and must attend all hearings of all board members charged. The OEC has stated more former board members and staff of all levels will be charged at STRS. We have reason to believe all the former 5 active board members and one former retired board member who formed a block of approval voting for perks and pleasures will be charged for receiving gifts, diners, etc. illegally. Some ex's of misspending included: -lavish trips to exotic places such as Hawaii and Alaska for inservices staying in top rooms and using our funds for alcohol and food -membership money paying high subsidies for STRS Staff childcare: up to $800,000+ a year, cafeteria subsidies up to $80,000+ a yr. and fitness room. -credit card use, gas and cars used by family members which threatened the entire pension fund should one of them be sued for an accident -generous sick and vacation reimbursements annually -bonuses of up to 115% of a staff member's salary -parties, dinners, decorations -a opulant $94 Million dollar building far beyond what was needed with marble, polished stones , boulevard style halls, multiple meeting rooms with one set up like a small U.N. -art specific to the building at $800,000+ -multiple bonuses, raises, incentives offered staff -overstaffed

Misspending members' money is comparable to your broker skimming from your earnings on your contributions. That is what occured here. Money for the above areas was taken from earnings on STRS membership contributions.

Since Leone's report and the formation of CORE, many of these areas have seen cutbacks due to diligence appearing before STRS monthly, demanding changes and meeting with Damon and Staff on a regular basis. Bonuses and staff have been reduced as well as cars, credit card use and gas. Subsidies eliminated for cafeteria and fitness and down to $130,000 per yr for childcare soon to be a cost neutral. Non investment staff receives no bonus , only investment staff which is typical in other like systems. parties, dinners, etc, must be paid for by Staff, not STRS funds.

CORE elected Active John Lazares to the STRS Board in 2004, ousting OEA incumbent Eugene Norris. CORE elected Dennis Leone to the STRS Board in
2005. Both these men answer only to the Ohio Revised Code: (ORC) which is the law stating that the STRS Board must act solely on behalf of its membership for its benefit. CORE asks nothing else of its candidates but to ignite discussion and debate and question all motions so that ALL membership is represented: both active (future retirees) and current retirees.

This year 4 Candidates requested endorsements from CORE for the active seats up for election in 2006. CORE interviewed them on 1/19/05.

-Prof. Tom Hall, Economics Prof. at Miami U. -Prof. Brackett, American-African Studies -Mark Meuser, classroon Math teacher and OEA local Assoc. Pres. of Gahanna-Jefferson -Mark Fredrick, classroom English teacher with some investment background.

CORE chose to endorse:

1. Economics Prof. Tom Hall of Miami Univ. for his prolific background and experience in investment and market trends and economics. He has authored numerous books and articles in these areas. Hall was adament that former board behavior never be repeated and outraged at the misspending of members' money. He feels capable to help lead the board to future solutions to problems. Hall comes with no organization influencing him. He will have an open door to the educators, the membership of STRS.

Ques./Concerns: hallte@muohio.edu

2. Mark Fredrick, classroom English teacher, for his dynamic thinking approach for problem solving and ability to connect in his interaction with the audience. He promised to be an independent thinker as a board member with only membership as his influence. He is also endorsed by OFT for his strong qualities. Mark, as an English teacher, is used to stacks of reading and has some investment background to help with the understanding of the challenging reading and study to come on issues. Mark, also, promised to have an open ear to the STRS Membership and hear their concerns.

Ques./Concerns: gafarm2@msn.com

CORE realizes that many board members come unprepared to STRS and need a long learning curve due to lack of experience in issues before the board. CORE feels both these candidates were better prepared and were more knowledgeable of the issues they face as board members as well as the history of misspending at STRS.

Please help elect these 2 fine men who will fight for your rights. Both made strong statements regarding securing your future retirements and health care. Neither are bound by an organization's politics or agenda.

Flyers will be sent for you to print and share with your staff and actives you know. Only actives and inactives can vote in this election. Ballots will be mailed early April to be returned early May.

Please help keep STRS independent with board members who represent YOU as dictated by law and not their organization.

Sincerely, Molly Janczyk