From Damon: STRS Board member, three former members now facing charges: Mike Billirakis, Joe Endry, Eugene Norris and Deb Scott

"Past actions cannot be undone, but they can serve as a valuable lesson for the future. In this case, STRS Ohio has responded appropriately so that these past actions will not be repeated and members' trust and confidence in the pension system is maintained."

-- Damon Asbury

[All well and good -- it's a step in the right direction; but what about that Cancerous Attitude that's replacing all this? Who's standing up for the retiree these days besides Dennis and John? And what about that word "maintained"? Shouldn't it be "reestablished"? -- KBB]

Message from Damon Asbury, STRS Executive Director, August 30, 2006:

In April 2006, we used this e-mail news service and our STRS Ohio Web site to report on the conviction of a former board member for two misdemeanor ethics violations. At that time, we noted that there could be charges filed against other board or staff members.

On Aug. 29, 2006, three former board members and one current board member were charged by the Columbus City Attorney's Office. The charges filed against each board member -- Michael Billirakis, Joseph Endry, Eugene Norris and Deborah Scott -- are misdemeanors and cite violations of state ethics laws regarding conflicts of interest.

Mr. Endry served on the board from September 2001 through August 2005; Mr. Norris served on the board from March 1996 through August 2004; and Mrs. Scott served on the board from August 1994 through August 2005. Mr. Billirakis joined the board in September 2000.

It is both unfortunate and regrettable that these past events occurred. As we have noted previously, due process regarding these charges needs to take its course. It is also important for us to reiterate that STRS Ohio has comprehensive policies, safeguards and training in place to ensure that both current and potential vendors and all board and staff members know that any gifts, regardless of their value, are strictly prohibited. Finally, it is also important to note that there is no evidence that gifts were ever accepted in the context of "pay to play" or that gifts were ever offered in the context of "pay to play." David Freel, executive director of the Ohio Ethics Commission, has been quoted as saying there is no sign that the gifts swayed investment decisions.

Past actions cannot be undone, but they can serve as a valuable lesson for the future. In this case, STRS Ohio has responded appropriately so that these past actions will not be repeated and members' trust and confidence in the pension system is maintained.

Damon F. Asbury

Executive Director