PARIS – Paris is stepping up its technological presence with a brand new Web site, but some town officials still prefer a more old-fashioned means of communication.

While unveiling the Web site Monday, Paris Town Manager Steve McAllister asked members of the Paris Board of Selectmen if they would like to have public e-mail addresses posted online.

“I think we all should be addressable through the town’s Web site,” Selectmen Raymond Glover first said, “so if any citizen wants to make a comment to anyone on the board they could.”

Minutes later, however, he changed his mind.

“There is a downside to that – spam. It’s nasty out there,” Glover said, referring to junk e-mail that often makes its way to e-mail users’ mailboxes.

Bruce Hanson said he often doesn’t read his e-mail until the middle of the week. “I would hate to think that anyone would e-mail us on a Monday and expect a response on a Monday,” he said, noting that the board’s regular meetings take place on Mondays.

Hanson also said residents may not understand that e-mails sent to public officials could become part of the public record. “I think I’d prefer a phone call or a face-to-face,” he said.

Selectman Barbara Payne agreed, and the board moved on to McAllister’s presentation of the new Web site without further discussion.

McAllister said the site is still under construction. When it is complete, however, residents will be able to look at everything from meeting minutes to the town’s budget online.

The site may be accessed at www.town.paris.me.us.