RH Jones: A letter to fellow retirees and a thank you to the STRS Board

From RH Jones, January 20, 2009
Subject: Thanks. Where it really belongs

Inauguration Day 2009

Dear fellow Ohio STRS retired members:

In this long and bitter battle to right the many past wrongs of our STRS, we need to give credit where credit is due: first to the CORE (Concerned Ohio Retired Educators) whose members by using the Internet, created a groundswell that gained national notoriety, and sparked a spin-off desire for political change in state and the federal government. CORE taught the nation through its appeal to the media -- and to those who support integrity.

In the past few years, not only has there been a sense of greed and entitlement with the STRS board and our employees, but also with the local, county, state and national governmental agencies. That has changed because of the many fair-minded people who recognized the dangers of sitting by, doing nothing, as others exploit our retirement system; and those who exploit all levels of our government for their personal gain.

CORE has been at the forefront of this groundswell. Being career educators, CORE has been vocal and people have listened. CORE got their attention! As a reward for the hard work of CORE, hope and change are now in effect. No longer can those who abuse their elected offices stay in power. Educators and the public are fed up with it. Transparency and openness is being demanded. Today’s inauguration of a new President of the United States demonstrates this new wave of hope for America’s traditional positive values in the rule of democratic law. Do not think for a minute that the CORE does not deserve accolades; they earned the applause. Thank you CORE.

Secondly, thanks to those who sit on the board to serve the STRS members and who vote with ORC 3307.15 in mind. That is your lawful duty. Thanks for interpreting it correctly this time. That gives us hope for a healthy Ohio STRS now and in the future. It is never hard to do the right thing.

My opinion only,

RHJones, retired teacher