Scottsdale Chamber Political Action Committee Releases Mayoral and City Council Endorsements

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee 2008 (SACPAC 2008) is pleased to announce its Mayoral and City Council Candidate endorsements for the upcoming City Council Elections to be held September 2, 2008. The Chamber PAC strongly urges the community to support incumbents Mayor Mary Manross for Mayor, Councilpersons Ron McCullagh and Betty Drake for City Council and newcomer Suzanne Klapp for the remaining seat for City Council.

Both Mayoral candidates and seven of the eight City Council candidates sought the endorsement of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce by submitting answers to a lengthy and comprehensive questionnaire, and then participating in committee interviews regarding those answers and other issues through a subcommittee of the Chamber’s Public Policy Advisory Council, chaired by Chamber Board member, Kurt Zitzer. Additionally, the Mayoral candidates presented themselves to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in both prepared question and Q&A formats to seek the Chamber’s support.

Several factors were considered in the deliberation process including the candidate’s performance, voting history, presentation, declared principles and stated vision, which all weighed in on the committee’s ultimate decision. “The organization believes strongly that the selection of our local elected officials is among the most important decisions one can make,” said Rick Kidder, Chamber President/CEO.

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that members of the City Council should demonstrate a progressive vision for the future and a commitment to advancing a positive economic growth agenda to ensure that Scottsdale remains a leader in the valley, in the state and in the competitive global marketplace. Incumbents Mary Manross, Ron McCullagh and Betty Drake have clearly established their support and understanding of the issues important to the business community. Suzanne Klapp, a successful small business owner and well-respected community and political leader, brings a new perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the council which will best serve the interests of the residents and business owners of Scottsdale.

Tom Sadvary, Chairman of the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s Board of Directors, spoke to the importance of this election to our economic future. “The City of Scottsdale is at a crossroads. It is vital that our political leadership understand the issues facing our great city and make the necessary – and sometimes challenging – decisions to ensure our economic growth is sustained through private investment and public stewardship. Scottsdale has always been, and must continue to be, a city that has an eye towards the future.”

Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce thanked each of the candidates for their active participation in the selection process, and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the business and community leaders whose participation in the endorsement process resulted in candidates whose values, principles and actions would best represent the business community and advance a forward thinking and economically vibrant community. The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce political committee was formed for the purpose of offering public endorsements of candidates for the upcoming election.

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Scottsdale providing advocacy, education, networking, leadership and exposure opportunities to our 1800+ member businesses. The Chamber actively works to maintain Scottsdale’s high quality of life and create an environment where business innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship can thrive. For more information visit www.scottsdalechamber.com or call 480.355.2700.