Shirlee Zerkel: Comments on today's Board meeting

From Shirlee Zerkel, March 19, 2009
Subject: About today's meeting

I am very concerned about what I saw as lack of fairness in the Board meeting.

Why was the vote concerning staff benefits moved to tomorrow? Was it because CORE members were there today or maybe that one of the Board members will not be present part of tomorrow?

I know that there is the 3 minute rule for public speakers. Mr. Stoll was stopped at 4 minutes, yet Mr. Leibensperger was allowed to finish his speech and remarks that were over 5 minutes. He was not asked to stop. That has happened before at Board meetings over the past few years. All speakers should be treated equally.

Board members, I am asking you to question, think and vote in the way that best benefits the retirees. That is why the retirement system was created. I know that a few of you do really see what is happening and I want to thank you for the stand you have taken. But the majority of you need to wake up and think for yourselves. Just because it is presented to you by the staff at STRS does not mean it has to be accepted.

The management staff is interested in what helps and protects them more than they are in meeting the pension and health needs of the retirees. We are in crisis financially; the cuts made so far for the STRS system operation is not enough. We need reduction of staff, NO PBI, No bonus or NO wage increases for any staff as long as retirees are hurting and facing still bigger hits in the near future. Retirees are told by STRS that major cuts to subsidies and benefits is necessary. We could understand that if we saw the same cuts and attitude in other areas of operational spending. Cuts as deep should be made in all aspects of the STRS operation.

Board members who are elected, your vote will definitely affect your future. Thank about that!

Shirlee Zerkel