Thursday, February 08, 2007

Tom Curtis: Letter to the Canton Repository

From Tom Curtis, February 8, 2007
Subject: 020807 Curtis To Repository Letter To The Editor
Educators Elect Active & Retired STRS Board Members --
But Know Little Concerning That Person’s Qualifications, WHY?
The Ohio State Teacher Retirement System (STRS) Chairman Constance Ramser often has no true understanding of what she votes for. She has no real life experiences that would truly qualify her for being a board member of a $72 billion operation, as she has little, if any, practical financial background or expertise, yet makes critical fiduciary decisions for the STRS.
She is far too willing to meekly defer to the STRS management in many instances and will not listen to other board members who attempt to enlighten her. Example, she voted to approve a $19 million dollar contract before the contract was even written in its final version. What business or law school would advocate such a practice? This makes no sense at all!
In my opinion, her peers elected her because she was strongly involved in the teacher unions (with big money backing) for most of her career in education. That experience and being an STRS board member are like comparing apples and oranges.
While her lack of qualification should be evident, voters (other teachers) largely overlook it. This is because they are not given enough facts, or fail to think about it to seriously.
Educators, please remember that all of the previous elected board members immediately preceding Ms. Ramser have been convicted of ethics charges and no longer serve on the STRS board.
Many of Connie Ramser’s actions and comments, both during and away from STRS board meetings are unprofessional and out of line and offers no apologies. Further, she will not defend her voting practices to stakeholders and will not meet with them to discuss issues they are highly concerned about.
Unless she corrects this kind of behavior, she should give up her seat on the STRS Board.
Edmund Burke said, "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Thomas Curtis
STRS Retiree
North Canton, OH
Larry KehresMount Union Collge
Division III
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