[Vision2020] Moscow Chamber is public too

[bill london]

The Moscow Chamber of Commerce may be organized as a private non-profit, 
but it is a public entity in many ways.

First, the Chamber represents the city to prospective businesses, 
families considering moving here, and community visitors.  And more 
importantly, my tax dollars -- and those of everyone here in Moscow -- 
are used to help fund its existence and its programs.

In 2004, the city of Moscow gave the Moscow Chamber $10,000 as the 
city's regular, annual donation.  In response, the chamber is supposed 
to help with the economic development of our community.

What the Chamber board is not supposed to do is give the community 
another black eye by advancing the Christ Church agenda and lauding 
Robert E. Lee.  What the Chamber board is also not supposed to do is 
ignore the concern and input from its members and from the members of 
this community.

I urge the Moscow City Council to cease payments of our tax money to the 
Moscow Chamber of Commerce until the Chamber board removes this 
financial and ideological cloud.
BL