I have been closely associated with the credit/debit card business for many years. I currently serve as a member of the board of directors of PEMCO Technology Services, Inc., and these views are my own. The firm's sole focus has been the credit union industry, so my views are obviously biased towards the credit union movement. I was disappointed in Mike Welch's recent publisher's column about credit unions selling their credit card portfolio. Being a credit union diehard, I do not understand the reluctance to take a stand and advocate that credit unions keep their portfolios. After all, the main credo behind the CU movement is to take care of their members and do what is best for them. With the exception of receiving a tidy sum of money, I have yet to see a valid argument for selling this portfolio that fits that CU business model. Yes, it is a lot of work to make the programs work and be profitable, but there is help within the credit union industry and with alliances. There are third party firms for credit unions which have specialized in services related strictly to the credit card business. What worries me the most is what appears to be a lack of full disclosure of benefits and risks to the members. Have the credit unions disclosed to their members exactly what the plans are for the money received? Have they disclosed the personal data that goes along with the sale and what the members' rights are in how the acquiring firm uses this information? Who really benefits? Dale M. Sterling Director PEMCO Technology Services, Inc. Wenatchee, Washington