Helena Pieratt responds to former Congressman John Kasich with an earful on STRS

From Helena Pieratt, Sep 14, 2009
Subject: John Kasich wants to connect with you [gubernatorial campaign ad]

The State Teacher Retirement System of Ohio is facing serious problems...NOW!. Throughout the last decade, retirees' money has been squandered and those in seats of power have misled and misrepresented those of us who depend upon this system. They would now like to blame the economy and "retirees living longer" for the current shortfalls. We stand to lose our non-compounding Cost of Living Adjustment of 3%....reduction now, elimination later...and we have no way to fight. Our formerly outstanding Ohio STRS is now in shambles and our representatives are at this moment preparing to pay enormous bonuses to the very individuals who led us to this precipice: the financial advisors.

Please look into the figures regarding this. Don't listen to hearsay and catch-phrases; examine the facts. Visit the new and lavish STRS building in Columbus. You will find extravagance and excess to the tune of billions of dollars. What measures would you take to stop this travesty?

Helena Pieratt, retired
Cincinnati Public Schools