Jim N. Reed: Words of appreciation to Craig Brooks

Jim N. Reed to Craig Brooks, February 3, 2007

Subject: Gratitude for An Independent And Refreshing New Voice at STRS

Mr. Brooks, please accept my acknowledgement and appreciation of your rookie support for some of the reforms recommended by veteran Board members Dr. Dennis Leone and Mr. John Lazares. (As a 20-year high school baseball coach I recognize the importance of the new talent's chemistry blending with that of the lettermen.) To have a free-thinking Board member not automatically line-up, in opposition to proposals from reformers, with the defenders of an indefensible legacy and status quo at STRS is refreshingly welcome.

As retirees, stakeholders, we are so susceptible and vulnerable to the misguided decisions of our Board that it is cause for much consternation. After all, pride in our careers and our families' security is at stake. We have witnessed many of our colleagues' suffering as a result of past errors of omission and commission. We must do what we can to prevent a continuation. Our retirement's success must be measured by what it can do for those retired educators most in need.

Any sign of the breaking of the pattern of rubber-stamping and submission to illiteracy of crucial STRS decisions is a reason for celebration among the ranks of those educators that had given up on regaining trust, confidence, and hope in their retirement system.

To learn of your stance in favor of needed reforms in STRS policy and procedure is a reason for hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is that much closer. The recent retreat, witnessed by some of my CORE friends, seems to have shed some light on your independent voice and they tell me your positive participation is to be applauded.

So done.

Jim N. Reed