Molly Janczyk re: In the Spirit of Open Communication

From Molly Janczyk, December 16, 2007
Subject: In the Spirit of Open Communication:

Wouldn't a true spirit of open communication be in the spirit of ORC vs. alledged strongarming Board members.

In the Spirit of Open Communication:

1. None of Leone's motions hamper the Exec. Direc. and staff from doing their job. They are attempts to put into policy steps for them to follow to correct past problems.
2. This need is evidenced by history of the former Exec. Direc. and 5 OEA Board members who abused their positions without limitations.
3. Membership understands that OEA does not believe in monitoring STRS Board members with history as its proof of non interference. This premise was stated necessary by former Pres. Allen and current VP Leibensperger. Yet, now they attempt to dictate to the Board how it should behave: one might call that micromanaging.
4. Some OEA and OEA-R Officers and Representatives have definitive ideas on how this policy should read regarding legal fees for staff. WHY, I wonder, are they not presented to the Board for consideration and debate. WHY do these OEA, OEA-R persons not meet with individual Board members for a compromise instead of monthly admonishments to the Board attempting to sway decision making?

This seems to be in the spirit of open communication to me. Speaking from behind a microphone to antagonize and dictate directives does not. Meeting face to face and presenting real ideas for solutions seems 'in the spirit of open communication.' OEA tries to direct through speeches and OEA Board member instead of truly discussing and presenting a working document of possible compromise. Speaking 'at' someone who cannot answer vs. 'with' someone is not open communication by any standard and is indeed, a 'hit and run tactic'.

I, for one, have begged for a back and forth dialogue at Board meetings. In the refusal to do this, sit down meetings are the only next available option. It is and never will be 'open communication' when one side cannot respond. OEA chooses its 'tags' for its own purposes. It determines definitions of : 'micromanaging, open communication' headings to put a 'show' of effort when in fact there is no effort for true back and forth 'open communication.'

OEA chooses to issue nebulous assaults on individual and spread them far and wide and the refuses to answer questions or responses to those reports. Is that in the spirit of 'open communication?' I have begged Bill L. for open communication and honest feedback. I have begged him to stop the backbiting at meetings with negative remarks about CORE, Leone , etc. which have come to us from attendees at those meetings. Who is telling truth? It took years for him to stop smirking when he speaks to me. I really don't care but I do care about retirees.

Bill L. knows I am earnest in my efforts. He knows I do not lie. He knows I will bring him anything I hear about OEA smearing CORE and their leaders. My opinion: OEA simply does not know how to deal with us. They are so entrenched in standing behind microphones that they forget what rolling up sleeves in working meetings are with anyone who disagrees with any part of their agenda. Most of us are not so far removed. They would find, though I think they are afraid to try, honest and hard working individuals who want what is best for retirees. Bill L. has met many in the frightening CORE and found them congenial and easy to speak with, I think, even though we don't always agree. But, we can usually find some common line for proceeding. Nothing less would happen, I believe, in a working relationship with anyone of us and our leaders though a clearing of air may be necessary to ease years of facing animosity. But, so be it. And then move on IF OEA showed real efforts to resolve conflicts and work toward resolutions. It is an easy solution to this 'war of words and lines in the sand' but one OEA steadfastly refused to act upon.

WHY, we keep asking, WHY? Leone has stated he will meet with Frost Brooks and Bill L. anytime anywhere. If they fear an initial meeting, let each bring a mediator with set rules beforehand until they can work together by each sides' account.

A solution waits: OEA: Present a working policy for legal fees and expect work on it until both can agree. This is the true 'spirit of open communication.'

Sincerely, in the spirit of open communication,'

Molly J.
OEA/NEA Lifetime
CEA Lifetime ORTA Lifetime
and yes, CORE: Lifetime

We all have something to offer and be considered in the spirit of open communication and what has to stop is this 'hit and run and hide' tactic. Say it face to face and listen to the answer, debate, then ask: "What will it take for us to resolve this so we can move on to the next issue for we have so much to do: THEN come to agreement. We can't just call something what we want because we want to appear a way to our public; it is always ACTIONS that prove our words, or not.

As a good friend of mine said about a relationship: "You talk a good show, honey, but you don't show me s _ _ _!" Meant for a laugh.