Tom Curtis to Susan Zelman: Replacement needed for Steve Puckett

From Tom Curtis, October 29, 2006

To: susan.zelman@ode.state.oh.us

Subject: Your Representative, Dr. Puckett

Dear Superintendent Zelman,

My name is Thomas Curtis. I am a retired teacher from Stark County. I have written you before and understand that you may be far too busy with more important matters to respond to such, but please consider my concerns of today. Your representative on the STRS board leaves much to be desired and certainly does not represent you well from where I sit.

I have regularly attended the STRS monthly board meetings since Dr. Puckett was seated as your representative in 2003. In my opinion, Dr. Puckett leaves much to be desired in representing your position and our profession. He is certainly not personable and approachable by retirees.

Dr. Puckett's ability to express and explain himself when he speaks during a board meeting is often rather vague. It is usually difficult to follow his thought process, because he speaks in broken sentences and thoughts, sits back away from the microphone and it is often very unclear just what he has attempted to add to the discussion. He often does not appear to be knowledgeable about issues being discussed, but maybe this is simply due to the manner of his presentation and how he expresses himself.

Dr. Puckett does not represent you well. Both Dr. Leone and John Lazares have spoken to you concerning the unacceptable voting actions of your representative, as have many others.

I sincerely hope, without delay, you will take the numerous complaints about Dr. Puckett into consideration and select another person to represent you. One those both active and retired members can feel confident and comfortable with, because it certainly is NOT Dr. Steve Puckett.

I will thank you in advance for your serious consideration of Dr. Puckett's replacement.

Thomas Curtis