A Message From Rick Spiegel (FWD)

[Guest guest]

Listserve members: The following is a forwarded message from Rick Spiegel, LPA

Presidential candidate. Rick is a member of the list, but for some reason, this

post was garbled when originally sent to the list. I have copied it, fixed it,

and am reposting it for you. -- Bill Bradford, List Moderator

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LPA Members:

Here is an update of my recent actions, given that I am running

unopposed for President of LPA.

I have been spending a majority of my free time in planning for the July

transition of office. I have been in constant conversation with the

officers-elect: Craig, Lois, , and Dan O. My primary focus has been

digging into the details of LPA's finances. Thanks in due part to Craig's

patience

and guidance, I am studying income statements and budgets from 2001

to present in order to communicate a concise picture of LPA's past,

present, and future during the new business portion of the San

Francisco meetings. I have attained the job descriptions of those

who have been employed by LPA. Underlying any budget determination

for the remainder of 2004 and beyond is what should be done with the

current Portland, Oregon headquarters. A handful of scenarios is

being developed and will be presented to the new officers in the not-

so-distant future. Matt and I have discussed keeping the current

office to September 2004 or thereabouts. To make even a preliminary

decision at this moment for beyond September 2004 is premature, as I

will be making a 3-day visit to the Oregon office next week. At that

time, I will be able to understand the day-to-day operation needs and

further refine my LPA financial acumen. I thank Matt and Craig for

their willingness to sacrifice the Memorial Day weekend to show me,

in person, the inner workings of LPA.

Although preparing a spreadsheet illustrating LPA's financial

experience is my principal transitional task, I have also spent my

time talking to members and further developing my platform.

Speaking to current and past officers along with a diverse group of

members has alerted me to the needs of the people. Not only have I

been engaged in conversation with the new officers and current

administration, but I have also contacted district directors, chapter

presidents, and former national presidents, e.g., van Etten

and Ruth Ricker. I have also attended a district regional and a

couple of chapter meetings where I have talked to quite a diverse

group.

My team's web page: www.lpa4people.org explains to some detail what

the priorities of our administration will be. On a general level, the

values of our team (ACCOUNTABILITY for decisions, RESPONSIBILITY for

finances, INTEGRITY of actions, INCLUSION of all members, RESPECT for

others, and bringing a BALANCED Vision to LPA) will always be

honored. More specifically and in no particular order, here are the

primary objectives for the new administration:

-- Outstanding Performing Employee(s) Hiring, Training, and Development

-- Membership Database Refinement

-- Community Outreach Program Full Implementation

-- Adoption Program Communication

-- Medical Resource Communication

-- Membership Pride

-- Positive Media Portrayal

-- Fiscal Sanity - Reasonable Cost for Services Delivered

For any group or team, there is a fine line between setting

aggressive goals and not extending beyond your limits. Looking

down the road, what will we be able to afford to implement? Even if

we can afford these programs, what best serves the PEOPLE of our fine

organization? Is it operational excellence, increased media

exposure, more money coming in the door, a national office in the

middle of a large metro area, etc.? Over the next few weeks, I will

be looking for assistance in answering these questions and feel free

to email me at ricksp17@... with any input that you may have.

Sincerely,

Rick Spiegel