Mr. Wolborsky, your letter to the Times Independent regarding the Fountain Hills Chamber was so far off, I had to reply.
My family has lived here since 1986, my business is based out of Fountain Hills, and I have been a Chamber member (on and off) for many years. I currently sit on the Board of Directors. To suggest that the Chamber is only concerned about real estate and realtors is blatantly false.
Since the change in leadership a few years ago, under Betsy LaVoie, the Chamber has been a huge partner for businesses; all kinds of businesses. The Chamber is about advocacy, networking, marketing and education for any business that would like to take advantage of their many services. The Chamber even developed an app that the entire town can use/access to know what's going on, learn about businesses, events and even the local school district schedule; to name just some of the benefits.
As for the endorsement of candidates for the upcoming election, let's pull back the curtain: The candidates were all interviewed with the same questions, and all submitted written responses…Anonymously. The Chamber Board members all voted, anonymously, based on a scale that reflected the answers from the candidates. The data was compiled, the results were presented on which candidates best represented a business forward/friendly vison for the town, and its residents. There was no “hidden agenda” or political bias/spin.
If you’re not willing to write a retraction/apology for your misinformation, maybe you'd like to visit the Chamber website, pick up the phone and call, or perhaps stop by the Chamber. The amazing staff would be happy to welcome you and bring you up to speed on what the Chamber actually offers the residents and businesses of Fountain Hills.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
