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| Dr. Curtis Horne and wife, Carolyn. |
Dr. Horne graduated from lake Stevens High School. He went on to earn a BA degree from Western Washington College of Education, an MA degree from Central Washington University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Idaho.
He taught elementary grades in Skagit County and in the secondary school in Pacific County. He has served vice principal and has held several central office positions including superintendent of schools; he served as a member of the board of directors and state president of the Washington Association of School Administrators. He lives in Port Angeles with his wife Carolyn.
Dr. Horne shared with us a briefing of some research he conducted into the life of organizations: how they start, how they grow, and how they end. The important factor in any organization, he said, was how that organization meets the needs of its constituents. As long as their demands are being met the organization will grow and prosper, if not, they will experience decline. Examples he gave were some of the fraternal organizations that are no longer the driving forces they once were; specifically, the Masons, the Elks, Moose and others; many churches are experiencing the same decline.
Dr. Horne applied those concepts to WSSRA. What are the demands of the members? They are twofold: 1) We want our pensions protected, and 2) We enjoy the opportunity for social interactions.
WSSRA works diligently to protect not only our (retired members) pensions, but also those retirees of the future, the actives. He strongly advocated that each of us know our 3 legislators (we each have 3). They are "regular folks" like the rest of us, so shake hands with them at the fairs, at the town-hall meetings, and invite them to the luncheons (we do, and they are already scheduled for next fall to join us). Ask them if they believe the legislature should keep its promises, let them know your concern is that in regards to the TRS1 and PERS1, they have not. Stay in contact with them.
We know from personal interviews with them, they prefer emails. Many have told us they come right into their cell phones, and that the input they receive from their constituents is vital to their work.
Social Interaction: Interesting Dr. Horne brought that up, there has been some discussion amongst a few of the board members about BFSRA organizing a few social activites outside the usual monthly luncheon fare. Anyone interested in a wine tour?
Thanks to Dr. Horne for sharing his insights and wisdom.
