Molly Janczyk to STRS Board: Why are there so many 9-2 votes?

From:Molly Janczyk
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Subject: *Added: STRS Board: Frustration: STRS Election 2006

STRS Board:

I and others have witnessed too many 9-2 voting patterns on the STRS Board. It seems that Lazares and Leone are either :

1. wrong about everything or
2. an effort is going on to convince board members prior to voting or
3. board members are not knowledgeable enough about issues to know both sides and wish to get along as we have witnessed in the past.

We know that Lazares and Leone work only for membership with no outside influence. We fear board members are succumbing to influence instead of delving into issues and answering only to membership. *Since they are responsible for uncovering spending abuses at STRS and Leone presented factual reseach verified at truth, one would assume they must at some time bring some good motions to the STRS board. So, it is punishment for uncovering violations that is the problem and some on this board still old board minded influencing others or Leone and Lazares NEVER understand one issue and work for it on behalf of STRS membership according to ORC:3307.15. Yet, both these men were top vote getters in their elections and both are savvy in board experiences and money issues. Seems very questionable that only since they joined this board, they suddenly KNOW NOTHING!

I challenge any legislator, public employee, Governor, State Super. Zelman, media, ORSC to come and witness these embarrassing board meetings during which Leone and Lazares struggle to have both sides of issues heard and yet are ignore.

We are not suggesting all board members do not have good intent or do not study. But this is what happens when board members are elected without sufficient background to tackle issues for themselves and are so bogged down in reading and trying to understand issues. It is then easier to be influenced.

We are not suggesting that all must simply agree with Lazares and Leone but we DO know that they are not wrong on every issue and we DO know that they fight for membership.

We support those responsible for approving misspending paying restitution. WHO ELSE is responsible? This motion incurred ire from board members. WHY? If you misspend another's money on yourself, you should pay it back, not the system as a whole where money is the memberships' and should be carefully guarded for them.

When motions are made and it appears to me and others that Ramser and Brown try to continually shut down amended motions by Leone or Lazares, procedure is not followed. There actually appears to be ignorance of proper procedure and Damon has responded that Brown was NOT within his rights when we questioned one event and Chair Brown spoke for the entire board which was NOT with in his capability. It was an embarrassment.

There will be more on this issue and it was taken most seriously and not to be forgotten. Further movement is in order.

For 4 months, I and others have witnessed attempts by the Chair and Vice Chair to shut down other board members right to speak, to motion, to address membership when, if fact, nothing prohibited such. Again, this issue has been taken up by a CORE member witnessing degrading behavior and will surface soon. This member took it upon his/her self with no outside encouragement but be he/she was appalled at this lack of procedure. When the attorney was asked, they even did not know proper procedure. The board did not know. THIS IS WHO WE HAVE RUNNING THIS SYSTEM!

This is why we encourage background knowledge of board procedures and issues. We have been disappointed in the appearance of lack of consideration of both sides. While we do not expect other than board members to follow ORC:3307.15, we do expect a thorough consideration by every board member of both sides PRIOR TO VOTING.

We look forward to Brown's departure and hope that Ramser is unseated as well. We hope to elect new members to the board who have open minds and can consider all points of view with a complete knowledge of facts and understanding of all areas. It is too late when some are heard to say, Oh, I should have voted yes or no AFTER the vote. Either they are appeasing OR they had not come totally prepared.

We suggest that board members sit down in small groups PRIOR to voting to allow ALL options and sides to be heard in entirity. We suggest board members speak with their constituency TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS AND WANTS as board members have been sent by voters and should not rely totally on their own personal thoughts. We feel the majority of board members DO NOT speak with their constituency for imput for consideration.

This has been a very disappointing board with 2 Investment Appointees seemingly locked in the mentality of corporate behavior and 'the haves' in the world; 1 appointee by Zelman who should be replaced having been on this board too long and locked it seems in old behaviors; 2-3 board members seemingly steeped in old board methods and thinking; some board members smart and well intentioned but perhaps underknowledged.

This is my opinion based on first hand viewing and some others who have stated this position as well. I petition you to send your thoughts to board members, State Superintendent Zelman :
614-466-7578 (email on email addresses sent 1/06); those who appointed the investment members, etc.

WHY would ANY board member be shut down when THEY KNOW procedure BETTER THAN THE CHAIR! I have witnessed Lazares call for legal opinion and LAZARES WAS CORRECT; I have witnessed LEONE call for procedure when Brown or Ramser tried to shut him down AND LEONE was correct. SO ONE HAS TO ASK, WHAT BACKROOM TACTICS PREVAIL AT STRS.

This is my personal statement and I welcome any factual arguments which will stand up to legal and proper precedence.

The majority of this board continues to be prejudged in my view.

Hopefully 2006 and 2007 will bring fresh outlooks and open and knowledgeable minds.

Molly J.