John Curry: Wanna switch retirement systems, Mr. Wachtmann?

From: John Curry

Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 1:34 PM

Subject: Wanna switch retirement systems, Mr. Wachtmann?

Active teachers and STRS retirees & Police and Fire retirement Retirement System members --please share this email with a fellow educator, policeman, and fireman.

"It would be improper in my view to ask the taxpayers to help bail out the system by paying more on the employer side," Wachtmann said. "The system is already extraordinarily generous."

The above quote, by Senator Wachtmann (R-Napoleon, was printed in today's Columbus Dispatch article (the article follows). I wonder if the good Senator (along with his brethren in the House of Representatives) would change his tune should HIS retirement be shifted to the STRS or Police and Fire retirement system (instead of OPERS) and HIS fellow politicos be stuck with monthly healthcare premiums approaching $1,000 per month. This time, his ox wasn't gored, was it? November can't come any time too soon -- Mr. Wachtmann (and many of his unsympathetic legislators) needs to look for another job. We can help him along when we visit the voting booth. In my view, Mr. Wachtmann and his ilk who don't support increases in contribution rates by both educators AND school systems are "extraordinarily callous."

Far too many active and retired educators, policemen, and firemen, and their friends and families will not forget what the honorable (?) Wachtmann said in today's Dispatch article.

John - a Proud CORE member