Damon's reply to an editorial & a "PROACTIVE APPROACH!"

2 [²pro- + reactive] : acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes

Damon: "Our retirement board has taken a proactive approach to address retiree health care coverage for Ohio’s public educators and looks forward to continued and constructive dialogue with STRS Ohio members and members of the Ohio Legislature in the months ahead."

What proactive approach? If "our retirement board" had taken a "proactive approach" when OPERS took a genuine "proactive approach" - we wouldn't be in the expensive healthcare premiums situation that we face today. Damon, we are taking a reactive approach! ~ John Curry

Canton Repository, Aug. 4, 2006

STRS board is looking out for interests of retirement system’s members I am writing in response to an item in Michael Hanke’s July 24 column, “Retirement system board shouldn’t pay double dippers’ insurance.” It addressed the issue of school systems that rehire retired educators who are eligible to get health care coverage through the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio. Mr. Hanke concluded: “The State Teachers Retirement System board has the authority to change this, but since some of the board is comprised of active teachers who more or less are near retirement, you can see how they might not want to change.” Mr. Hanke rightly points out that this is a controversial issue. However, the suggestion that the members of the board are voting only in their self-interest is unwarranted and misleading. The issue of health care for re-employed retirees is continuing to be evaluated by the retirement board as well as by the Ohio Legislature, as is the bigger issue of ensuring health care coverage well into the future for thousands of current and future retired and disabled educators and their families. There is no basis to imply that individual board members are looking out only for themselves. Our retirement board has taken a proactive approach to address retiree health care coverage for Ohio’s public educators and looks forward to continued and constructive dialogue with STRS Ohio members and members of the Ohio Legislature in the months ahead. If Repository readers would like to keep abreast of the discussions, they are encouraged to visit the STRS Ohio Web site at: www.strsoh.org DAMON F. ASBURY, WESTERVILLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STATE TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM