Has the chamber raised the white flag on the notion that commerce is their business and taxing and spending is the state’s? Or is it that the leadership of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce sees their organization as just another development bureaucracy deserving of tax payer support? Either way the idea that the “voice for business” now wants your tax dollars speaks to an unsettling reliance on public funding rather than private initiative for economic development. Hasn’t the chamber just undercut their own raison d’être with this request? Aren’t they supposed to be the voice and engine of the private business sector? Can they deny the obvious, that by their own action they appear to be merely another redundant and useless government development entity?
Scott Armstrong
January 24th, 2010 at 2:15 PM
iannelli and his own staff have a confused identity; they are what would be normally described as progressive liberals, ironically being supported by business interests. recently, certain segments of that financial support made the chamber take a conservative position on the health care issue. although the big players are motivated to be perceived as involved in the community, it’s above time they pulled the plug on that glad hander
They want taxpayer money?
Maybe they ought to start up a bank!
I know several business owners who quit asking themselves, what did they get out of it except invites to PAID events and annual dues.
Maybe Tony ought to spend more time on his TV show talking about local businesses instead of being all about himself.
January 24th, 2010 at 3:13 PM
Mike,
As well, one as to wonder about the motivations of anyone who would claim Ed Pawlowski is a good mayor.
Scott Armstrong
Word is post election and pre appointment Mike Schlossberg received a promotion.
The CC is a self serving liberal Dem organization. Word is tony is drawing down big bucks. Take a look at the photo.
They are the front line of defense at the hive located on 9th & Hamilton. Word is a tunnel runs down Hamilton St to City Hall.
Check out the tenants in the Butz building and you will see who the mainstay supporters are of the current administration.
Ernie Atiyeh has commandeered the Presidents Council of the neighborhood association and his first set of guests will be The Mayor and the President of City Council.
Are they going to answer questions or are they going to set the troops straight with their marching orders? This well oiled machine is becoming more controlling and oppressive to the freedoms of businesses every day.
Heh!. I did not vote for these guys.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Gentleman:
My concern is the Chamber shilling for tax dollars to fund projects. When did the paradigm completely shift to government funding all new business ideas? What makes the Free market work is competition, and this is playing favorites. Reminds me of the “Planned Economy” of Russia before the Iron Curtain came down.
Chris,
Thanks for your input. It seems to me that big government is like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, providing a temptation that immediately pleases but leads in short order to dire consequences. Tony should know better; he is in fact supposed to be a local representative of the best interests of private enterprise.
Scott Armstrong
January 28th, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Great site, where did you come up with the information in this summary? I’m glad I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.