Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Donna and Dean Seaman to STRS Board: Why are retirees always targeted?

From Donna and Dean Seaman, June 16, 2009
Subject: bonuses

Board Members and Mr. Nehf: Since you are still vacillating about the 7/12 performance based incentives (BONUSES!) for investment staff for this year, our state legislators have stepped up to the plate to do something about it, something you continue to refuse to do! What does this say about your effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, for dealing with this issue! But if you won't/don't deal with this issue, legislators have shown they are willing to take care of it for you! It is totally inexcusable for you to wait until September to discuss/reinstate the 7/12 bonuses when Dr. Leone will no longer be on the board. Do you believe that retirees are oblivious to your strategy? WE ARE NOT! A recent e-mail to you from Thomas Curtis says it all: STRS and the board should be investigated by an outside evaluation/audit. Obviously the board and the STRS administration is unwilling to make any significant internal and operational changes or cutbacks, even though they are overdue and badly needed!

Meanwhile Mr. Nehf is going around the state talking to retired teachers' associations (he comes to Mansfield next month), telling retirees truthfully how bad things are at STRS and suggesting some more changes, but NEVER suggesting cutbacks to STRS staff, STRS operations, or STRS staff benefits! Why are the cutbacks and reductions in health care provisions always directed at retirees?
Once again I remind you: Retirees are the ones who have generated that fund in the first place! We are legally and ethically the beneficiaries!

Donna Seaman, 2002 retiree;
Dean Seaman, 1986 retiree
Larry KehresMount Union Collge
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