Damon's letter in the Hillsboro Times-Gazette
The Times-Gazette, Hillsboro, OH
LETTER: STRS will maintain members' trust, confidence
Monday, September 25, 2006
To the editor:
Recent media coverage has called attention to misdemeanor ethics violations by several former State Teachers Retirement Board members. In these cases, due process has taken its course.
What is most important for members of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) and other Ohio citizens to know is this system's unwavering commitment to maintaining the trust and confidence of our members and all system stakeholders.
We have comprehensive policies, procedures and safeguards in place to ensure that both current and potential vendors and all STRS Ohio associates and board members know that any gifts, regardless of their value, are strictly prohibited.
In addition, we have an ethics policy in place; provide ethics training for both board and staff members by Ohio Ethics Commission staff; ensure the annual filing of financial disclosure statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission by all board members and key staff; and adhere to strict travel policies that clearly delineate expense parameters for food and lodging and limits on overall expenditures.
It is both unfortunate and regrettable that these past events occurred. However, while they cannot be undone, they can serve as a valuable lesson for the future. In this case, STRS Ohio has responded so that these actions of several years ago will not be repeated.
Through our newsletters, Web site, meetings and letters such as this, we want to address all issues of importance, even those that are not easy to discuss, as we believe this is the best way to be certain that trust and confidence in STRS Ohio is maintained.
Sincerely,
Damon F. Asbury
Executive Director
State Teachers
Retirement System of Ohio
Recent media coverage has called attention to misdemeanor ethics violations by several former State Teachers Retirement Board members. In these cases, due process has taken its course.
What is most important for members of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) and other Ohio citizens to know is this system's unwavering commitment to maintaining the trust and confidence of our members and all system stakeholders.
We have comprehensive policies, procedures and safeguards in place to ensure that both current and potential vendors and all STRS Ohio associates and board members know that any gifts, regardless of their value, are strictly prohibited.
In addition, we have an ethics policy in place; provide ethics training for both board and staff members by Ohio Ethics Commission staff; ensure the annual filing of financial disclosure statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission by all board members and key staff; and adhere to strict travel policies that clearly delineate expense parameters for food and lodging and limits on overall expenditures.
It is both unfortunate and regrettable that these past events occurred. However, while they cannot be undone, they can serve as a valuable lesson for the future. In this case, STRS Ohio has responded so that these actions of several years ago will not be repeated.
Through our newsletters, Web site, meetings and letters such as this, we want to address all issues of importance, even those that are not easy to discuss, as we believe this is the best way to be certain that trust and confidence in STRS Ohio is maintained.
Sincerely,
Damon F. Asbury
Executive Director
State Teachers
Retirement System of Ohio
posted by Kathie Bracy at 1:12 PM
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