-- The following is a letter to the editor from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Chairman Bernie Allen.
Business and Politics Do Mix.
The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is entrusted with the responsibility of looking out for the welfare of our local merchants and small businesses. We proudly champion the cause of promoting and protecting freedom of enterprise. It is a cause that is vital not only to our city but to our country. We are not a secret organization with a hidden agenda.
An ever-increasing number of decisions that affect the economic well-being of our business community are made by local elected government officials. It is critical for the Chamber to participate in political affairs.
The Chamber of Commerce consists of local entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders, all willing to face the inherent risks of business to provide for the needs of San Clemente. We run the shops you enjoy, we provide jobs, carry the goods and deliver the services you need.
We are not aligned against any of the citizens of San Clemente as some would have you believe -- we are citizens of San Clemente. We are residents, we are neighbors and we are volunteers. While some voices flippantly scorn our local businesses, we understand the need for a balance between economic prosperity and our community’s quality of life.
The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, Businesses for a Better San Clemente (BBSC) exists to support candidates who share the goals and philosophies as the San Clemente business community. The BBSC is NOT A PRIVATE political action committee operating in the shadows. It is a Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.
The BBSC is funded through VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS from members of the Chamber of Commerce. The BBSC receives no money from the City nor is it funded through the Chamber’s operating funds.
This November, two of the five city council seats are up for election. The board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse two candidates for the San Clemente City Council who will best represent the San Clemente business community:
Current Council Member: Jim Dahl
Community Leader: Michael Mortenson
The BBSC has chosen these two exemplary candidates because of their past records and current opinions. These are the candidates who are best qualified to address the important issues currently facing San Clemente. They are competent, educated, skilled and will serve equally our residents, visitors and businesses alike. Please join us in supporting Jim Dahl and Mike Mortenson for San Clemente City Council.
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