"Duke" and Jane Snider: Report on October 28 meeting with Mike Nehf and state representatives

From Kenneth "Duke" Snider, November 10, 2009
Subject: Danny Bubp---Mike Nehf Meeting Oct. 28, 09

Jane and I want to thank our State Representative Danny Bubp for organizing a meeting October 28, 2009 in his office at Columbus with STRS Executive Director Mr. Mike Nehf, Ms Terri Bierdeman (STRS Director of Governmental Relations), and State Representative Matt Huffman. As most of you know Danny Bubp and Matt Huffman cosponsored H. B. 177.

Danny began the meeting by introducing everyone, and immediately attacked the bonuses and spending going on at STRS. Mr. Nehf responded by acknowledging his awareness of the bad feelings about the bonuses and spending.

Jane and I voiced our thoughts about the past and present concerns at STRS i.e. spending, bonuses, COLA, thirteenth check, STRS employees’ perks, future of the pension system, etc. We acknowledged the fact that Mr. Nehf inherited situations which he will not be able to correct, but there are some which he can. Mr. Nehf stated he was in favor of the COLA and hasn’t forgotten about the thirteenth check.

The reason Jane and I started our discussion as such was to illustrate to Mr. Nehf some background as to why many retirees are angry and do not trust STRS, and it will take time to regain that trust. Mr. Nehf seemed to understand.

Representative Huffman strongly emphasized his objection to the 15%-16% raises given to STRS employees. Mr. Nehf responded by stating the increase was for 2008. Representative Huffman said the salary increase was the same thing as a bonus and was displeased with both.

Mr. Nehf and Ms Bierdeman (who was very sick and said very little) were very polite, and listened to all concerns. Mr. Nehf answered and related in a dignified and polite manner. We were impressed with Mr. Nehf’s empathy and sincerity.

We hope Mr. Nehf deeply understood our message of trust and treating retirees just as STRS employees are treated. We also hope Mr. Nehf makes quality decisions for retirees and active teachers.

We want to thank both Representatives for standing up for retirees and taking time to voice their thoughts and concerns about STRS. Both are troubled as to what has and is happening at STRS. Jane and I also want to express our appreciation to Mr. Nehf and Ms. Bierdeman for taking time to attend the meeting, listening, answering, and responding. We certainly hope they will not let retirees and active teachers down. Mr. Nehf told us he would be happy to attend a meeting in our area.

NEWS FLASH!!!

There will be a meeting with Mr. Nehf, Dec. 07, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Western Brown High School, Mt. Orab, Ohio. RSVP before Dec. 1, 2009. Duke & Jane: 937-446-2404

Jane and I, both retirees, represented ourselves and no organization. We tried to condense the meeting information.

Duke and Jane Snider
Sardinia, Ohio