Tobacco Documents Online

-T, S. 0SINNE n 1pQ>f. Dr. Thomas S. Osdene Director of Science and Technology Philip Morris U.S.A. P.O. Box 26603 Richmond, Va. 23261 Dear Dr. Osdene: 456 Sutherland Lane Prospect Heights, Illinois 60070 March 4, 1988 I have received your letter of February 24, 1988 and I must admit that I am somewhat mystified by its contents. Just to set the record straight, I never declined~lan offer to serve as the executive director of the Center for Indoor Air Research (CIAR). Indeed, an offer never was made either verbally or in writing by anyone associated with the CIAR. I was expecting,such an off er to be transmitted to me through Dick McFarland, who I assummed was your sole agent in this matter. I was informed by Mr. Rupp, at one point,, that the Board of Directors had decided to terminate negotiations with me on this position~. I never have been certain what Mr. Rupp's role or authority was in this matter, but, I took his information.at face value:. Up until that time II had assummed that our negotiations were proceeding satisf actorily. The financial compensation was adequate and', with the exception of some minor adjustment in.the fringe benefits, I had~no problems in this area. I felt that were still some areas of the draft contract that needed clarification, but, these were not serious. However, as some operational points needed clarification~I sent you a letter on February 4, 1988 so that you and the rest of the Board would clearly understand what issues concerned me. This letter was meant to be a basis of discussion until we all understood the issues and could arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution. I regret that you never took the opportunity to respond to my letter or subsequent phone call to discuss these issues. Your letter of February 24 dealt partially with the some of the points I raised. We never were really far apart and all the issues probably could have been dealt with to the satif action of all parties. I never at any time had any misgivings about the mission of the Center nor my ability to act as its Director. II regret that you made the decision to terminate our discussions and~I wish you the best of luck in your searchifor a Director who will meet your requirements. Sincerely, Irwin H. Billick