John Bos speaks out: Sunshine Law, 'Hairspray,' damage control, ethics violations, spending controls and more

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Presentation

State Teachers Retirement System, Ohio

April 20^th, 2006

My name is John Bos, Elida, Ohio. I am a retiree with 31 years of service as a teacher and administrator. My father also paid into STRS starting in 1932 and our daughter is an active participant. I was also an adjunct professor teaching school administration courses for 9 years. I had 14 years of business experience after I retired.

I would like to commend the former member of the STRS Board that requested a jury trial regarding ethics charges. This trial has given the members of STRS a small peek into the workings of the STRS Board. Issues that are now very clear include:

The total lack of understanding regarding “The Sunshine Law” by board members, and by the legal adviser to STRS. The recent event of reaching Board conclusions over the telephone or Internet indicates that this problem still exists. Baker's School Law and Nexis-Lexus would be a good source for the staff and board to learn about “Sunshine Issues”.

Inadequate legal advice may have been given to the board members regarding Ohio Ethics guidelines and possible legal assistance to “cover up the evidence”.

Comments that "Hairspray" tickets were to be billed to STRS by a former board member further documents these issues. Comments that the discussion to plan this trip was observed by the Ohio Auditor and Attorney General Office adds even more concern to retirees. They will be judged in future elections.

The need for the current STRS Board to investigate why current employees requested immunity from an felonies relating to their role as a staff member at STRS.

The need for the Board to carefully review the employment status of staff members that may be guilty of violations.

I commend Dr. Asbury for writing the “Damage Control” newsletter to all retirees. Neither he nor I, however, can be assured that these actions did or did not impact any decisions.

Are we still doing business with the two companies that were involved in the unfortunate and regrettable events? Kim Alwater, Smith Barney spokesman said that they would make a statement after the trial was completed. No statement has been released. Perhaps they could make a contribution to the health care stabilization fund in the amount of the ethics violations.

STRS now takes its place in history with Watergate and Coingate. We now have Hairgate. Yet at the same time current board members do not want to learn about the historical events that led to today. No doubt you drove to the meeting in your new Yugo because of the great economy, but have not learned about its mechanical history and lack of available parts.

The question also remains why no one at STRS staff or board members stood up and said, “This behavior is wrong”. The abuse only stopped when the legislature, retirees, newspapers, and The Ohio Ethics Commission, and the courts became involved. Where were the internal auditors and the honest staff members that we trusted with our retirement funds? You have lost the confidence of many people.

It is very important that those of you on the current board take appropriate actions regarding the misconduct of ANY employee. It is the only way to insure that these events never happen again.

In conclusion, I would also ask you to genuinely listen to board members who are making recommendations regarding spending controls and additional oversight measures.

A forensic audit by an independent party would be money well spent to regain confidence.

When Mother Teresa was asked if she took pride in the work that she had done, she replied by saying, “I don't take pride in the work that I have done, but rather the reason that I have done this great work”. She was committed. As board members and staff, I hope and pray that you are committed to regain the pride that my father had for Ohio Education and the dedicated staff serving Ohio Schools.