Thursday, November 30, 0002
I met Betty in July 1970, fresh out of college, and starting my first job with the Connecticut Teachers’ Retirement Board. Betty made an indelible impression on me, probably because of our age difference and the generation gap. She was, as they say, “old school�, and ultimately that’s what I learned to become- high quality standards and service to our clients - a concept that is foreign to most of us in today’s world. Betty was always firm and consistent in her beliefs and held everyone accountable to high standards and performance. She was extremely meticulous to a fault. When she did an account audit of a teacher’s account, I was always confident that it was done right. What you saw was what you got. If she had an issue, she would take it head on. Back then Betty was also in charge of the agency’s supplies etc. Her philosophy was –“if you don’t need it, you don’t get. It� and you had to make your case (she actually checked pencils sizes to see if you needed one). She ran a tight ship and I always said that if Betty were ever governor, we would never have had run-away spending and tax increases like we do now. Most of her colleagues would agree that she was hard on the outside, but soft of the in-side. She had her rules and principles and expected everyone to abide by them. She was always patient and understanding and never held a grudge- something you don’t see in today’s work environment. I was hoping that she would be able to attend the TRB Christmas party in December, along with many other TRB retirees and friends. Unfortunately, Betty won’t be there, but she will remain in our memory as a good friend who left this world a better place. Bill Sudol
167 Wakelee Avenue