WEBSITE WOES

Mr. Epstein blames the lack of a functioning website on me. I am concerned that we do not have a functioning website yet. During most of my term, the Board and I relied on members of this association to jump- start the website. We were told things that did not come to pass. I was as disappointed as my opponent.

However, I did not consider it a burning priority because I had assembled an effective team of Board members, Labor representatives, and Negotiating team members to get the word out. I had also repeatedly proffered our telephone numbers and my own home e-mail site. Anyone who had a problem could call me at work, and many did call on matters not discussed with my opponent.

The Board assigned the website project to Mr. Epstein in early Summer 2008. Since that time, the Board of Directors has reviewed proposals he has obtained. The Board has sent him back to the drawing board to firm up the proposal he is presently pushing, to seek other website proposals, and to tighten up the contract with his provider before we presume to spend several thousand dollars on a website.

The current hold up, by the way, is Mr. Epstein’s inability to draw up a contract that will protect the members’ money, should Mr. Epstein’s favorite vendor’s promises become evanescent in the future. He seemed astonished that we -- a group of lawyers -- would expect them to sign a contract over a website!

Several weeks ago, my opponent finally proffered a contract proposal. I made corrections to protect our money and asked him to in put them. Two weeks ago, he returned my corrections to me and asked me to do it.

I guess he’d prefer to “blog” against me than produce for you.