J.M. "Stiffy" Andreas West Virginia Troopers Association Board of Directors Troop 1 Representative On July 23rd, 2007 I met with the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Troopers Association. These are some of the issues discussed: *First and foremost… I, and the Board of Directors, extend our deep felt sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Marlo Gonzales and the entire State Police family. Through the pain and loss we feel you can always count on the support of us all. We well be with you in spirit, in our minds, hearts and thoughts. Though it will be difficult in the days ahead, let's all try to face the future bravely and boldly as our brother would want us to do and remain united and strong. This is a horrible tragedy and we, the extended family, need to be there for Gonzo's family and loved ones in their time of need. It will be their friends, family and faith that upholds them during this time. This incident has raised a lot of questions that need answers and accusations that are unfortunately playing out in the media. These matters and concerns were discussed during the meeting making the Board members and Executive Board members aware of some of these assertions. You will all soon receive a letter from the new WVTA President John W.Smith addressing some of your concerns. Please respond to it if you feel the need. I ask that you remain focused and attentive to the needs of your families, your jobs and the Gonzales family. Hopefully we will be able to work with our administration and resolve these problems and concerns together. I do know that nothing can be accomplished if we do not remain united. *The Board of Directors met with a representative of Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter Investment Firm to discuss the current standings of the WVTA investment portfolio. Our current investments are at an all time high and we have had large cap growth in all four of our investment allocations. While I will not post our financial standing on a public web site, if any of you would like more information on our investments and net investment earnings contact me. *The WVTA is backing the Superintendent on the Purdue settlement issues. It is our hope that the Department will receive all of the money from this case and will be allowed to use it for State Police needs. We hope to be allowed to give some suggestions and in put to the administration on things that we feel could use some attention. *The Board met with Marvin Masters pertaining to the two ongoing law suits initiated by the WVTA. Per Mr.Masters… his firm has filed their arguments to the State Supreme Court pertaining to the Plan B retirement issue and the Retirement Boards grievance procedures. The actual civil suit remains in limbo until all of the grievance procedures are exhausted. Mr.Masters firm is working rigorously to resolve this suit. The WVTA has also filed a law suit against the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) who have been soliciting money in our state on behalf of West Virginia State Troopers. We have filed this suit to stop them from obtaining money from people who believe that they are donating to the WVTA. Instead they are donating money and West Virginia isn't receiving any in return. We expect this suit to put a stop to these fraudulent telemarketing tactics and possibly recover some damages in the matter. *The Board of Directors has just entered into contract with LEAD, a direct mailing fund raising organization. We hope that by utilizing direct mailing and our current CDG telemarketing we will be able to bring in more revenue. Our telemarketing is still our biggest financial fund raiser but we feel that supplementing it with direct mailings to WV residents we may benefit financially. *The Board had some concerns with some proposed rule changes to the Consolidated Public Retirement Board. In looking into these changes we discovered that they do not affect current or future retirees. *Our Political Action Committee (PAC) Bi-laws are in the final stages of completion. Our ability to endorse or challenge political candidates will be a major factor in our lobbying efforts. As Chairman of the PAC, I ask all of you to contact your local political figures and discuss with them issues that pertain to the West Virginia State Police (ie… retirement, pay, on call issues, manpower etc…). Let me know if you know of any candidate, especially on the State level, that may need or deserve our support. The West Virginia Legislatures interim session will be in September in Martinsburg. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. STAY SAFE! May God lift us up that we may see further…