Conversation re: ORTA/Politics: Leadership imperative for a critical election

From Molly Janczyk, June 29, 2006

Re: ORTA/Politics

Esp. since Blackwell is attempting his '65% of every dollar' plan which is rebuked by conservative Republicans and Democrats as well and will cause further decline for education in Ohio. Membership needs info on candidates and WHY this election IS CRITICAL TO RETIREES and actives. Keeping out of it so as to not elicit some waves vs. fighting for what will help ALL educators, retired or active is the same as guilt by lack of action in my opinion. This may be one of the most critical election ever or certainly one of the most. It SHOULD be about who will bring the greatest good to educators and retirees not about NOT stirring anyone up.

Membership has long wished for ORTA to step up and take direction out front and strong. Backroom is necessary many times. THIS ELECTION IS NOT ONE OF THOSE TIMES! WE NEED CHANGE IN OHIO! ORTA IS IN THE POSITION TO LEAD! There comes a time for all grps to stand up and say what they stand for and fight for it. Think of the consequences is we say nothing and please don't complain when we get the same ol' because we hadn't the courage to speak up just bec some would get offended. Many are offended because of lack of speaking up. Legislators may be influenced if they know hundreds of thousands of votes are at stake. The other organizations are NOT keeping quite and are interviewing for the best candidates. ORTA should be doing the same for its retirees.

Lack of public action is what has hurt ORTA and it will certainly not help in this issue.

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From Jim Kimmel to Dave Speas, June 29, 2006

Subject: ORTA/Politics

Dave:

These times DEMAND a stand be taken by ORTA for Strickland and other education friendly/retiree friendly candidates. Things in Ohio are so bad, with so many crooks in the government, ORTA must be part of the solution or it will be part of the problem. And yes, many have and will disassociate themselves from ORTA as I have. ORTA has a history of weakness which will be exploited by those who have and will hurt retirees. You do not represent those whom you claim to represent if you do not take proper action. If ORTA remains passive and dishes out the same pablum to retirees it has in the past it is less than useless to anyone!

James Kimmel

STRS Retiree