A Tribute to Dr. Dennis Leone
by David K. Parshall

It is rare in the times in which we live for any man or woman to be willing to stand-up and speak out when they see things that are wrong, and then to steadfastly stick to their beliefs and push for reform. Dr. Dennis Leone is such a person. All active and retired Ohio educators owe Dr. Leone a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

In 2003, Dr. Leone uncovered a long list of questionable practice at STRS. His report exposing these practices is now legion. A sense of entitlement and arrogance led to the corruption of several sitting board members along with an arrogant STRS Executive Director who thought our money was his money. These individuals were dealt with and ultimately led to the removal of the Executive Director and convictions of several of the board members on Ethics charges. The moment these former educators decided to accept gifts and perks that they were not entitled to, they lost the ownership of whatever good deeds they may have done during their careers.

Since 2003, many changes have been accomplished at STRS thanks to pressure by Dr. Leone with the support of CORE, the only truly unbiased watchdog group of educators. While we take time to celebrate Dr. Leone and all his accomplishments, we should use this time to renew our efforts to get and keep involved. It is your pension that is at stake. With Dennis off the board, the role of CORE becomes even more important. Actives and retirees are needed to join the effort. You can do as much or as little as you wish, but a collection of small voices leads to a well-heard, collective voice. Your voice needs to be heard. Honor Dennis by getting involved. Dennis, in a few words, “We can only give you our heartfelt gratitude”.

Dennis Leone
by Molly Janczyk

A rare man of indomitable spirit
Emerged due to the need of others-
“To do the right thing.”
When greed and power overturned integrity.

He fought against staid resistance to reduce
spending not in membership best interests,
eliminate expenses not in keeping with prudence
and long term vision for retirees.

No contracts signed without proper scrutiny,
reducing benefits long enjoyed for their own sake.
SB 133 to ensure parameters met, new policies and
retooled policies to meet standards forgotten.

Bonuses challenged during times of struggle;
Taking issues to membership out of the
backroom of silence resulting in public attack
By union rhetoric fearing loss of control.

This man stood strong for those who trusted in him
Refusing to blur the boundaries of truth.
A ‘team player’ for membership, always.
If not for those who served another master.

From a grateful constituency to a loyal and
Steadfast friend of Educators.
Thank you for giving wholly of yourself
Because we asked it of you.

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