CORE's Donna Seaman alerts her state Senator and invites him to an STRS Board meeting...you can too!‏

From John Curry, May 5, 2009

She also sent other letters to her state representative. Why not invite your rep./senator (of a staff member) to an STRS meeting. I'm sure Donna won't mind if you use her letter as a form letter....just change the names of your politician and you are "in business."

John

From Donna Seaman, May 3, 2009
Subject: STRS

Dear Senator Harris:

My husband and I are retirees of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). Many of us are alarmed and incensed that the STRS board is still considering paying out over $3 million dollars in bonuses (STRS calls them "performance based incentives!") to investment staff even though the entire portfolio value is down 42% currently.

This payment cannot be allowed to happen! I have written today to Governor Strickland and Representative Jay Goyal, and am asking them, as well as you, Senator Harris, to please intervene on behalf of Ohio's retired and active teachers, to insist that bonuses to investment staff be abolished.

May I suggest you ask someone from your staff to attend the next STRS meeting, May 14 and 15, when bonuses and health care issues will be on the agenda. Usually on the Thursday part of the meeting, there is time for public speaking (3 minutes are permitted) about 1 to 1:30. At that time, I know there will be other retirees who feel as we do that performance based incentives should be totally eliminated.

Public pension systems in other states (Missouri, Pennsylvania) have abolished bonuses in light of our nationwide economic crisis. I believe Ohio should follow suit. Will you please intervene on our behalf? Ohio's retired educators need your help! The STRS board continues to spend OUR money extravagantly and inappropriately. Thank you.

Donna Seaman, 2002 retiree and Dean Seaman, 1986 retiree