Duke and Jane Snider: Report on December 7 Brown County meeting

From Duke and Jane Snider, December 9, 2009
Subject: Meeting Dec. 07, 2009

Kathie, Sorry we haven't gotten back to you. We asked Al Rhonemus to write about the meeting which we will forward to you (with his permission). We encourage anyone who attended the meeting to email their thoughts to you. They may have more or different opinions and thoughts about the meeting.

The meeting was with STRS Executive Director, Mr. Mike Nehf, and Laura Eckler in attendance Dec. 07, 2009. There were retirees from six counties and two Representatives, Rep. Danny Bubp and Rep. Uecker. Mr. Nehf spoke about fifteen minutes, then opened the remainder of the meeting for questions and comments.

A handout was distributed about "The STRS Ohio Plan to Strengthen the Financial Condition of the Retirement System" which was broken down into The Issue, The Planning Process, The Plan, Next Steps, and Looking to the Future. Since this handout was given to everyone at the meeting, we'll email it to you (in two separate emails, page 1 and page 2).

Basically Mr. Nehf explained something had to be done which we believe most agreed; however, there were different thoughts about the way to do it. Many retirees wondered why retirees and active teachers were "targeted", and there seemed to be nothing done or cut at the STRS level. Mr. Nehf explained that steps have been taken i.e. freeze salaries, head count, reduced budget cut 11% over last year, bonuses examined and changed, and continuing education to be only in Ohio except for investment staff which must travel.

The COLA which STRS board has recommended to reduce to 2% was a big concern of many, but OPERS recommended NOT changing the 3% COLA. The final decision of the recommendations of the five retirement systems will be rolled up in one rather than individually.

Mr. Nehf presented his answers in a polite and professional manner. Many seemed to understand he cannot change the mistakes of the past, but there are some things which he can control. We did not take notes, because a student of the media class video taped some of the meeting, but had problems with the battery. John Curry had volunteered to make DVD copies for those who couldn't attend the meeting, but it depends on how much was videoed.

The tone of the whole meeting was very pleasant and professional. Reps. Bubp and Uecker spoke at the end of the meeting and showed empathy toward retirees. Mr. Nehf also answered questions after the meeting.

Anyone who attended the meeting who reads this, would you please give your take about the meeting? This is how we feel which others may have more or different thoughts which we respect. We want to thank Mr. Nehf for volunteering to come to Brown County. We also want to thank all who took time out of their busy schedule to attend the meeting.

Duke and Jane Snider
Sardinia, Ohio