A letter to the AG: STRS and the Sunshine Law

From Kathie Bracy, April 6, 2007
Subject: STRS and the Sunshine Law

Dear Mr. Dann,

Thank you very much for going after offenders in the PUCO with regard to the Sunshine Law. I would like to know if the Sunshine Law also applies to Board meetings at the State Teachers Retirement System.

Secret ballot votes were taken to appoint Conni Ramser to replace Jack Chapman (who was forced out because of his conviction on ethics charges) and Tai Hayden to replace Michael Billirakis (same reason). The names are not particularly relevant here; the real issue is the process used: a secret vote.

When Board member Dennis Leone asked why they weren't voting publicly, the response he received (I can't recall offhand who said it) was "Because we don't have to."

Something's not right about this picture; I would now like to know if the STRS Board is also subject to the Sunshine Law. For that matter, is STRS Ohio itself subject to that law?

Many thanks.

Kathie Bracy
http://kathiebracy.blogspot.com