CORE member to Damon: You really need to read and respond

From a CORE member, December 30, 2006

Subject: Fw: Please, Tell Us: What Options Do Retirees Have?
Damon,

You really need to read and respond to these folks. They are hurting!!! I realize that this is not all the fault of STRS, the former director, or current staff, but this cannot continue. As executive director, the buck stops at your desk.

[My wife] and I will enjoy ourselves in Florida, file our LONG RETURN for a tax refund, thanks to the high medical expenses and premiums, and live a comfortable lifestyle for the next 3 months. (All on one income due to a wife that could not work, but did not qualify for disability social security because we were not smart enough to appeal with a lawyer). Unfortunately, some of the other retirees will continue to split pills, share a TV dinner for their evening meal, and read newspapers from their neighbors. In the paper, they will continue to read about the double dipping, 88% retirement benefits of current retirees, and the national health crisis.

The indifference of the STRS Staff Members and Board Members has caused the hostile feelings. I do not expect you to respond to this message, but I would hope that YOU would be more sensitive to the retirees and to have a serious discussion with your staff regarding retiree relations.

I sincerely wish you a Happy New Year and good health in 2007.

(Name of CORE member/author withheld by request... although Damon's copy does include name of author) Sent with all previous communications attached to provide sufficient information to address the problems [posted below, with same Subject line as above].