letter to Javier

middle-age American living in New Jersey near the Lincoln Tunnel «« Dear Noel: I am eager to use my professional abilities to serve people in the barrio, so your question to me today referencing the letter from Javier was good – grazie.  The text I advise your friend Rudy to put in the letter from you to Javier follows, and I’ll use this as an opportunity to restate my thinking, so it has the potential to be used for future disputes.  Javier claims you own him $52.50, and he has documented it in a letter to you.  You have three choices: ONE: pay it  TWO: do something and document what you do  THREE: do nothing, which may include talking to someone like me at La Gran Via, but documenting nothing.  Of the three options doing nothing is the only bad choice.  Since you took the time to talk to me about it, you have some hesitation to paying it, so doing something and documenting what you’ve done it is your best choice.  In the text I advice Rudy to complete for you, you’ll see I have done as little as possible.  The burden to justify the $52.50 is on Javier, so make him explain.  You are a professional and you have charged Javier tax, which he paid, but later requested reimbursement.  In his request he has asked for your credentials, and knowing you are a credentialed professional, you may think it’s reasonable to provide what he’s requested, but I advise you not to.  Instead, ask him to explain, which is what I have done in the following text: Dear Javier: It has come to my attention per your letter to me date January 5, 2013 that you request reimbursement of $52.50 for taxes I charged you.  You requested my credentials, but I do not understand the relevance of your request.  Can you help? Sincerely, Noel.  I predict Javier will not respond, but if he does you are invited to consult with me on the next step. Sincerely, Tom Doody   P.S. thank you for the Italian bread, and you have my promise it will be a secreto to the kind people at La Gran Via.  I will specifically request comment to this post to one of my readers, so you may check this again in a couple of days to see if it has a comment. »» about me 201-490-9659 Randi Richards nearlincoln@hotmail.com contact us