Shirlee Zerkel to Ramser & Co.: Stop being puppets and do your job

From Shirlee Zerkel, Sept. 11, 2006

Subject: Message to Board members from a retiree
Hello Ms. Ramser and the majority of the Board:

I, as an STRS retiree, am in opposition to recent Board spending decisions. As I view the votes on many issues and especially the last two of paying staff members' private legal fees and hiring the head hunting firm, six of you appear to not investigate the issues. You do not appear to want to discuss the business at hand. Attitude appears to be: "Just let's get the vote over with" and, as always, it is in Damon and his staff's favor.

Discussions raised by two of your members are called micro-managing by some of you. Aren't your jobs as board members to investigate, question, and try to make an informed decision in accordance with ORC 3307.15? Let me remind you that the ORC is the law, not a suggestion to be followed if it happens to be your desire.

These two Board members [Dennis Leone and John Lazares], in my opinion, are intelligent, independent, and reform-minded persons who definitely abide by the Ohio Revised Code 3307.15. Who are you to criticize Dr. Leone who has won the Ohio Ethics Award and the First Amendment Award?

From my perspective, it appears that the majority of the Board are Damon's puppets. He pulls the strings and you dance. The strings should go from the Board to Damon, not the reverse as it currently exists. Shame on you for allowing Damon to control you. The Board in its present mind set is ineffective and serves no purpose. Damon calls all the shots.

All Board members' opinions are important and are worthy of discussion. Four of you are elected members and two are appointed. No matter how you became board members, it is your duty to work together for the betterment of all educators. All opinions and suggestions should be heard and discussed. That is the purpose of the STRS Board, as I view it. It is not to rubber stamp Damon's wishes.

Your jobs are to uphold ORC 3307.15. I do not see that happening. You are to be the thinking ones. Damon and staff are your employees, yet it appears to be the other way around. Damon brings expenditures, plans, etc. to the board, and you question very, very little. It is always a yes vote for Damon's wishes by six of you.

Get some COURAGE, STAND TALL and stop being Damon's puppets,

Shirlee Zerkel
2002 retiree Life NEA and OEA and CORE