The Chamber’s role in politics

Recently there have been issues that have arisen in our area and various people have asked why the Chamber hasn’t taken a stand. First let me explain that your Chamber is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Service tax code. With that tax status there are certain laws that govern how the Chamber can participate in issues such as partisan political campaigns and other issues. First and foremost the Chamber cannot endorse an individual political candidate for any office.

Often times, as has been the case in the last several elections, there have been more than one Chamber member running for a particular position. As you can understand it is vitally important that the Chamber remain neutral in such situations. With regard to issues such as school bond referendums, college bond referendums and road bond referendums and other issues that are for the good of the community the Chamber will often pass resolutions in support of or against such referendums. Resolutions in support of both the New Caney ISD, Splendora ISD and Conroe ISD bond referendums were passed, as well as the Lone Star College System referendum. Construction of new facilities at all those entities is underway at this time. This past December the Chamber Board passed a resolution with respect to a federal bill that would allow unions to be formed without employees having the right to hold a secret ballot vote. This issue would be crippling to our small business members and to the country as a whole. The Chamber has passed resolutions saluting the success of New Caney ISD in achieving TEA Recognized status, the career of Dr. Linda Stegall upon her retirement from Lone Star College-Kingwood and numerous other issues important to East Montgomery County.

The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and Education Committee review issues that come to their attention and after review and discussion they make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board will then consider each issue and take any action necessary. If a resolution is passed it is then sent to the media and to the appropriate entity that may be dealing with that issue. If it is a school bond or road bond referendum that is being supported we would ask that the media let the public know that the Chamber is supporting such an issue.

The mission of the Chamber is “To promote the economic well being and quality of life of East Montgomery County” and we take that mission very seriously. We encourage you as individual citizens to exercise your right as a citizen and to support the issues that you deem appropriate.

With respect to the recent issues in New Caney ISD, the Chamber has enjoyed a very productive and cooperative relationship with the district and the Superintendent and truly appreciates the support shown to the Chamber during the last ten plus years. The Chamber will continue to work with the district and the administrator that will be hired. When and where the Chamber can join you in those issues we will.