John Bos to Mark Meuser: What did you know about the June action of the Ohio Police and Fire Board?

From John Bos, August 26, 2007
Subject: STRS and Divestment Issues

Good afternoon Mr. Meuser,
I have just read several items on the Internet and listened to the first of 7 CDs of the recent STRS Board Meeting. I commend you for serving on the board and donating your time and talents to improve the current situation of the retirees. Mark, I retired in 1989. My wife has had medical conditions since 1971 that require significant medication and medical care. We joke that the 11th floor of The Cleveland Clinic is named after us. I am certain that you understand that receiving medical treatments in Cleveland requires travel, lodging, and significant expenditure. Without Medicare and the STRS coverage, I would be up the creek.

Today, I learned that the Ohio Police and Fire Board voted to NOT APPROVE the divestment that was signed (with or without authority) by the executive directors. That action was taken in June. Were you told of this action? Did you learn about the action from any source? I was shocked to learn of this action, but was also very pleased to learn that another agency board had the courage to say "NO" we are not going to be forced to take action that some perceive illegal and most believe that is not in the best interest of the retirement systems.

Certainly their action in June should call attention to the facts that Dr. Leone has presented to STRS! This should also enlighten you to carefully consider every vote on every issue. Just because it is recommend by the STRS management staff or a press release has been submitted to the media, the STRS Board does not always need to support these positions. It would be helpful to your image (that is constantly being reviewed by the active and retired members ) that you ask questions and make conclusions that are in the best interest of the retirees.

My email is not meant to be critical of you or other board members, but is meant to get everyone "rowing to the shore together" so that we can continue to enjoy our remaining years without the fear of starvation, inadequate medical care, or needless stress.

I would appreciate a response from you regarding your knowledge of this June action by the Ohio Police and Fire Board! In the unlikely event that you do not have a copy of their action, I would be most pleased to see that this information is provided to you and the other board members.

I do wish to commend the STRS Board and Staff for their recent study and actions regarding the selection of Express Scripts. Our previous PBM (Caremark) provider was one of the most dishonest and unethical companies on Wall Street. They were only a few notches better than Enron. Only after the merger deal was signed did CVS learn about the many legal and ethical issues of this firm.

Sincerely,

John Bos