Having not learned from the fiasco of endorsing Laura Bradford last year over a past GJ Chamber citizen of the year, Bernie Beuscher, the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce has endorsed candidates for city council (see article on www.gjsentinel.com).
Being a membership organization, endorsing candidates for any level of office is the height of arrogance and lack of long-term thinking. It is turning a business-focused organization into a high school clique or a college fraternity where popularity is more important than substance.
Here's my humble opinion: if you're going to make legislative issues the cornerstone of the reason for the Chamber to exist, stick to the issues and quit making it personal. You depend on membership dues for your very existence. Don't alienate existing or potential members by choosing sides, regardless of their propensity to support business issues within your jurisdiction especially during these times of polarity among ideologies.
I'm sure that this issue is a deal-killer for many members of the Grand Junction business community. While this practice continues, you can count me among them.
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