John Curry: A question from an STRS retiree to current STRS Board member Conni Ramser -- will she answer?

From: Kathie Bracy

Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Subject: A question from an STRS retiree

Dear Conni,

Since you are running for the STRS Board and have strong OEA ties, I have a question I would like to ask you so I have a better idea of what to tell people who want to know where you stand. Since it is a yes/no question, you do not need to elaborate unless you wish to.

Gary Allen, president of OEA, in a letter of June 5, 2003 to various OEA constituents, refuted Dennis Leone's findings in his investigative report on STRS of May 16, 2003, which summarized a number of points about inappropriate spending practices at STRS and also outlined recommendations calling for Board members and STRS administrators to change their spending practices, realign numerous policies and better represent the entire STRS membership. ALL of Dr. Leone's findings were based SOLELY on data provided to him by STRS.

In subsequent letters Gary Allen criticized the report heavily, saying it was "destructive" and communicated "misrepresentations," and referred to the findings as "allegations." He accused Dr. Leone of directly attempting to "discredit the STRS management," saying "his motives are unclear" and "his logic is hard to follow."

He also said "Many of the incidents he wants corrected occurred in the past and cannot be changed.....the context in which he addresses these issues appears to be of his own creation." He also wrote: "We believe in the integrity of STRS and the individuals on the Board." Also: "Some recipients [of Dr. Leone's findings] have elected to indiscriminately broadcast the report." He was also quoted in a northern Ohio newspaper as saying that the spending practices of the STRS Board represented "old news."

Repeated requests to Gary Allen to explain his comments have resulted in no response at all. And, as you no doubt know, proceedings have already begun, to bring charges against some of the previous board members (whose integrity he defends) for ethics violations.

Since we can get no response at all from Gary Allen, we would like to know your take on his stance with regard to Dr. Leone's report and Allen's defense of previous board members, more of whom are expected to be charged.

Do you support Gary Allen and his position in these matters?

Thank you.

Kathie Bracy

OEA/OEA-R member since 1965

CORE