Tom Curtis: A thank you to Rep. Oelslager and a request for Tom Hall's appointment

From Tom Curtis, January 9, 2007

Subject: 010907 Rep W Scott Oelslager, Thank You

Hello Rep. W. Scott Oelslager,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I was pleased to find you were most knowledgeable with every item we discussed, but one. That being the lobbying of Betty Montgomery and Jim Petro for the Governor to veto the funds for Thomas Charles to open an investigation of the STRS in 2003. Please know that neither Montgomery nor Petro lifted one finger to help retirees with the gross misspending that had taken place at the STRS. Gloria Gaylord, one of the attorney general's representatives, traveled on our dollar just as extensively as did the elected board members that were all found guilty of ethics charges. The two-year window had closed for her by the time any charges were filed against the rest.

What I learned yesterday is that your involvement in the support of our public education system and the STRS has been extensive and very supportive. It is a shame the majority of the legislature cannot be credited with such.

Another topic I so wanted to discuss is the possible appointment of Thomas Hall to the STRS board. He would fill the remainder of the term of Geoffrey Myers, who recently resigned. As I indicated in a prior email to you, both the Speaker of the House and the Senate President will reappoint that position, as I am sure you are aware. I believe you have Tom Hall's vitae from a prior email, but if not, I will gladly sent it to you. Tom Hall had the next highest number of votes in the last STRS election, next to the two members that won. I hope you will find Tom Hall's background to be worthy of the appointment to the STRS Board.

In closing, I would ask for your support in recommending Tom Hall to the Speaker of the House to fill the vacant position. This same request has been sent to many legislators throughout the state. If you have any questions about anything we discussed yesterday, please contact me at 330-[xxx].

Tom Curtis

North Canton, OH