Jim Kimmel to Judge Glaeden: Hazel deserves fine, community service and jail time

The Honorable Carrie E. Glaeden

Franklin County Municipal Court

General Division, Courtroom 13A

375 South High Street

Columbus, Ohiio 43215

April 24, 2006

Your Honor:

As a retiree of STRS-Ohio I wish to suggest what might be an appropriate sentence for Hazel Sidaway, former STRS Board Member. I was, quite frankly, amazed to learn that even at the end of the trial Ms. Sidaway continued to justify herself saying that she discussed business "at appropriate times" while attending the Broadway production of "Hairspray" in New York City on STRS dollars. Judge Glaeden, as a 80 plus year veteran teacher I have a pretty good instinct when someone "gets it" and when someone does not. Hazel STILL doesn't get is.

For this and the other ethics violations please consider these penalties for Ms. Sidaway:

1. Maximum financial fine of $1000.00 per count.

2. Spend an extended time in community service at a nursing home, making sure she is assigned to some of the older retired teachers who have been hurt the most by the STRS excesses for which Ms. Sidaway, along with others, are responsible.

3. Serve some time in jail, perhaps as a form of "shock" probation at the very least.

I have suggested the jail time because, having followed the trial, it is my opinion that this is the only way for Hazel to fully comprehend what she has done. It will also send a strong message that these crimes are indeed serious. Thousands of active and retired teachers want justice as a first step in changing the STRS culture of entitlement.

Respectfully,

James O. Kimmel, M.Ed.

STRS Retiree