Suzanne Laird's speech to the STRS Board 2/15/2024: A few words of advice to the replacement of the replacement of Board member Wade Steen

From Suzanne Laird

February 15, 2024

Good Morning, Members of MY Board:

So, we’re playing musical chairs now, are we?
From what I recall, the object is to keep your seat, and yet……… the “honorable” Governor chose to remove Wade Steen, one of the most truly honorable men I’ve ever met, simply because he did what was right and best for the teachers of the state of Ohio.
And then, replaced him with a deep-pocketed crony who rarely managed to show up. 

Now, a smart, savvy person, when offered this chair, would have questioned WHY the chair was even available mid-term.
Did you ask what happened to the last guy? And the guy before him?
What could possibly entice you to take such a contentious position?
What were you told? What were you promised in order to get you to sit in that seat?
I’m curious, and I bet everyone else in this room is, too. Especially those of us on the other side of the glass wall.

You’ve got the seat. For now. When the music starts, we’ll be watching to see what a “senior policy advisor” and “former lobbyist” can possibly do to solve the problems of this pension system.
Forgive us our skepticism, but we’re having a hard time figuring out why you were invited to the party.
Apparently, you’ve got some experience with budgeting: wait until you see all the waste around here. If you’re really here to help, start slashing this bloated budget. Immediately. 

Before the chair is pulled out from under you, and we cannot help but assume it will be, play the game as best you know how. Although it may be a children’s game to you, it’s not, to us. People are literally dying, waiting for their COLAs, trying to pay for their medicine, working longer for less.

Because when the music stops, we need someone in that chair who hears a different drummer.
Someone like Wade Steen.
Are you up to that standard? If not, let the parade pass you by.
Give the seat back to its rightful owner.