Quotes from OEA president Gary Allen

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."

Note from blogger: More recent quotes from Mr. Allen would be most welcome (and much preferred) but none have been submitted to date. KBB 1/30/06