Tucson First News - AZ Star Bodfield Comments PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Friday, 25 December 2009 23:26

Arizona Daily Star – Small Business Group Seeks Ouster of Chambers Camper

1. Comment by Cliff N. (Bighorn75) — December 17,2009 @ 12:09AM

Ratings:    -5 +61

Camper has had more than enough time to figure this stuff out. It's way past time for more energetic and creative leadership. The creation of all of the splinter chambers of commerce is directly attributable to the Tucson Chamber's ineffectiveness.

Tucson must develop a more entrepreneurial environment or it will be forever doomed as a low-wage town dependent on government. We need to start growing our local economy by growing our local small businesses.

The Chamber must do MUCH more than just host political luncheons and ribbon-cuttings.

Perhaps the Chamber needs a small business owner as its executive director, as well as more small business representatives on its board.

2. Comment by jim s. (kingrat) — December 17,2009 @ 3:04AM

Ratings:   -0 +54

and someone not in Big Business' pocket (Diamond, Click, etc)

Report this comment

3. Comment by Ken Z. (kenwen) — December 17,2009 @ 3:38AM

Ratings:   -1 +51

I've never understood or agreed why there are all of the different chambers and economic development organizations. It seems that there would be overlap and less organizational clout.

Report this comment

4. Comment by Tom D. (Tommy D) — December 17,2009 @ 4:17AM

Ratings:   -47 +11

People we cannot replace 32 years of experience that carrys at the state level also.

If you want him out fine, graduate him out but do it to train his new person and then use him as an consultion.

Report this comment

5. Comment by Ross J. (5973) — December 17,2009 @ 4:23AM

Ratings:   -7 +47

The Chamber's 2008 tax return shows Camper made $168,000 in salary and benefits. He probably also gets to drive the 2007 Nissan Armada, which cost $48,472.

How many small business owners in Tucson make that kind of money? This is obviously the major leagues. Let the minor leaguers start their own organization.

Report this comment

6. Comment by connie m. (dollars) — December 17,2009 @ 4:53AM

Ratings:   -9 +48

Replace him right along with the City Clowncil!!!

Report this comment

7. Comment by Hank T. (Hank T) — December 17,2009 @ 4:56AM

Ratings:   -1 +58

I've been a chamber member and got sick of writing a $600 check for nothing.

It's good old boys at it's finest. The Tucson Chamber of Commerce is irrelevant, outdated and insulated by a non-effective board.

Kudos to the small business guys for stepping up and calling it as it is. Shame on the other leaders for allowing this to go on so long. 32 years with Camper at the helm and we have a terrible business environment, no industries, no place for UofA grads to work, no business sector leadership downtown and a decaying city.

Step up or get out. If you aren't doing the job stop taking the perks and start being held accountable.

Count me in.

8. Comment by Mary B. (maximaxine) — December 17,2009 @ 5:53AM

Ratings:   -2 +46

Get rid of all the dead wood in Tucson!

Report this comment

9. Comment by Don W. (AIZA) — December 17,2009 @ 6:03AM

Ratings:   -2 +37

Some say 32 years of experience like that is a helpful thing.
Obviously some have chosen to fight this, and all the power to them. Personally, I choose my marketing communities with my dues ... and I spend $0 with the TMC.
For those wanting to see a clinic on how good and useful chambers are run (for small business), go visit The Marana Chamber.
Really, Chris and Joe, why spend so much time and effort reforming a run-down and rrelevant institution when you have 2 or 3 others right here in town doing awesome work?
The Virus Slayer

Report this comment

10. Comment by Joey A. (Joey A.) — December 17,2009 @ 6:08AM

Ratings:   -0 +45

They aren't members because they can't afford to be!! The Chamber has NEVER been friendly to small business because none can afford to pay over $500 a year to be a member. We pay for memberships to 4 other organizations for the same amount of money, they they all do a better job of catering to us as a small business. Great networking, lobbying at the local and state level, and plenty of business.

It's classic favoritism towards large companies. Until there is diversity in the chamber, it will stay beyond the reach of the little guys.

Report this comment

11. Comment by c b. (race) — December 17,2009 @ 6:33AM

Ratings:   -5 +43

32 years...why would such a critical group allow anyone in the job for more than 5 or 6 years by design.
Jack is a good guy but the record speaks for itself.
His stance on illegal immigration should be reason enough to can him with prejudice.

Report this comment

12. Comment by Donald H. (2161) — December 17,2009 @ 6:38AM

Ratings:   -0 +37

"The impetus of the chamber is to represent all business, whether small, medium, or large, and we feel we do a good job at that." 32 years of experience with Tucson businesses! Well, something was lacking. Could this be why the Hispanics created their own Chamber of Commerce in Tucson?

Report this comment

13. Comment by Deimos M. (Deimos) — December 17,2009 @ 6:39AM

Ratings:   -1 +23

This story hit an influential local political blog 2 days ago....

The Cloth is beginning to be rent asunder...

Report this comment

14. Comment by jon f. (jdfast) — December 17,2009 @ 6:39AM

Ratings:   -1 +41

It's good old boys at it's finest. The Tucson Chamber of Commerce is irrelevant, outdated and insulated by a non-effective board.

Couldn't have said it better myself. They got theirs and their little organization so don't rock the boat. This is the same organization that didn't stand up and let the COT add a bed tax on all the hotels and motels in the city to make the uncompetative. This is the same organization that doesn't take the city to task for not being friendly to business. This is the same organization that refuses to make public the shortcommings of the city's land use code. This is the same orgainzation that is never heard from when a new business tries to settle in Tucson. For everything this organization has done at the State level, please remember that you represent all businesses in the COT that are your members. The local level should be your playground, not the state level. Thats what the national orgainization is for. Get things done on a local level and don't worry about the state. The COT is dying and the Chamber is worried about issues on the state level? Please.

Report this comment

15. Comment by Mason C. (Azson43) — December 17,2009 @ 7:12AM

Ratings:   -6 +18

Why is he to soft on businesses who don't employ illegals?
This whole organization is pro-illegal anti-American worker, all of them should be shut down.
They are scum!!!!

Report this comment

16. Comment by Richard S. (Harry Red Dog) — December 17,2009 @ 7:17AM

Ratings:   -1 +35

Visit the Northern Pima County COC and the Marana COC to understand what an invigorated membership can accomplish. Membership in the Tucson COC is and has been a joke for years. A board made up entirely of Tucson's largest employers, for the most part headquartered out of state is an insult to the local business community.

Report this comment

17. Comment by Johnny Z. (The Oracle) — December 17,2009 @ 7:19AM

Ratings:   -0 +29

Tucson has commerce? News to me.

Report this comment

18. Comment by Debbie N. (Debbz) — December 17,2009 @ 7:22AM

Ratings:   -1 +35

You forgot to mention he is arrogant.

Report this comment

19. Comment by Larry D. (ldellea) — December 17,2009 @ 8:09AM

Ratings:   -0 +31

Camper needs to go now!!! He hasn't done anything for Tucson in the last 15 years. What industry has he brought here that has produced high paying jobs? NONE! Plus if he is involved with Rio Nuevo we see how well that has worked out for the city. We need someone new, younger, with some new ideas and energy. Time to retire Jackie boy!

Report this comment

20. Comment by Howard F. (Howwie) — December 17,2009 @ 8:22AM

Ratings:   -8 +22

#5 - "Camper made $168,000 in salary and benefits...This is obviously the major leagues."

You are joking, right? Only in podunk Tucson and only if you don't work for a government entity.

Report this comment

21. Comment by David B. (dblair21) — December 17,2009 @ 8:24AM

Ratings:   -1 +30

Naturally Sundt and the SW Gas guys are going to speak highly of Camper, they aren't stupid. If Camper goes, they go too. This whole organization is made up of older, established individuals who are trying to protect what they have. Change is bad to them because that means the younger generation steps in with new ideas and takes over.

Report this comment

22. Comment by Sarah C. (Arlington) — December 17,2009 @ 8:29AM

Ratings:   -0 +25

My impression from reading the article is that the Chamber is defensive and not willing to listen. This is a sure sign of arrogance. Seems like at this point the Chamber would recognize that there is a problem and say "We'll try to fix it."

On the other hand, is the Chamber's Government liason too young and just doing what he is told?

Report this comment

23. Comment by Deimos M. (Deimos) — December 17,2009 @ 8:34AM

Ratings:   -7 +9

Story doesn't mention Camper's age, which seems to be a key fact, IMHO.

Report this comment

24. Comment by connie c. (paver) — December 17,2009 @ 9:06AM

Ratings:   -1 +8

  1. 15 You are so right!!!!!

25. Comment by Ed F. (businessboomer) — December 17,2009 @ 9:16AM

Ratings:   -0 +21

My feelings about the organization and its leadership have not changed over the the years. The only change would be for the better and that has not been the case. Replace the board, admin and then maybe some of the programs will attract more participants.

Report this comment

26. Comment by Martha R. (azslim) — December 17,2009 @ 9:17AM

Ratings:   -0 +29

I've been in business in Tucson since 1992. Started my first venture while I was still working on the UA campus, and I left that place back in 1994.

During this almost 20-year stretch, I've never been a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Why not? Well, as other posters have noted, it's just too expensive.

In addition, I know from experience that networking with the local good ole boys is an exercise in futility. I've gotten more and better business from cold-calling leads in other states. And you don't have to be a member of any organization to do that.

Report this comment

27. Comment by Joseph C. (senjoe) — December 17,2009 @ 9:29AM

Ratings:   -17 +4

GENTLEMEN GET SOME BALLS!! FORM YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS CHAMBER. ALL CHAMBERS ARE CONTROLLED BY THE BIG CORPORATIONS WHO WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO LESSEN THEIR IMAGE OR SHARE OF THE MARKET!!! USE THEM AS NON VOTING MEMBERS OF YOUR GROUP. THEN HAVE THE GROUP TAKE STRONG POSITIONS IN ALL BUSINESS MATTERS. BUT.....BE CAREFUL FOR THE BACKLASH!!!!

Report this comment

28. Comment by Lorraine A. (5139) — December 17,2009 @ 9:30AM

Ratings:   -1 +31

It is about time they got rid of him.
He hasn't done anything for Tucson.

And to get that kind of salary for doing nothing??? who is to blame for that??? Main reason I left the Tucson Chamber years ago.

Lorraine Anderson

Report this comment

29. Comment by A. R. (archcc) — December 17,2009 @ 9:40AM

Ratings:   -1 +29

He has been at the helm for the 30 years that Tucson has been deteriorating into a third-rate city. Mr. Camper and others like him, that have held power during the last thirty years need to be replaced. This city desparately needs new leadership and a new direction.

Report this comment

30. Comment by Robert M. (DowntownTtown) — December 17,2009 @ 10:39AM

Ratings:   -0 +22

Great article and great effort.

The website for the campaign is: http://changetucsonchamber.com

Report this comment

31. Comment by Jeri J. (Wilmawilcat) — December 17,2009 @ 10:48AM

Ratings:   -10 +10

Not a happy camper.

Report this comment

32. Comment by Deb F. (Ferns) — December 17,2009 @ 11:06AM

Ratings:   -0 +22

Good article! FYI- the reason I left the Chamber years ago was that even then Camper and the TCC as a whole was ineffective. Over the last decade this problem has gotten worse; not better. Time to clean house...

Report this comment

33. Comment by Rodney S. (rodshort) — December 17,2009 @ 11:27AM

Ratings:   -8 +17

Simply put, Jack, if you stay, you need to do more for small business in the community. The purpose of the chamber is not only to support the multinationals located in Tucson, but the mom and pop shops that are our lifeblood. If you are unwilling to do more, just take your gold watch and a pat on the back and set your tee-times. This is serious business and we need a guy who is serious about making Tucson great.

Report this comment

34. Comment by rob h. (bobknows) — December 17,2009 @ 11:35AM

Ratings:   -0 +26

It's ironic to me. The first instant I met Camper, "glad-handler" was the first thing I thought of. Way over paid and way over rated. In the same league is Rick Vaughn and Jonathan over at the Visitors Buerau. Stuff shirts that travel around the country with stashed ladies in each. You would not believe what these characters make. More than Jack's 165k thas for sure.

Report this comment

35. Comment by Marsha H. (katzfan) — December 17,2009 @ 11:35AM

Ratings:   -0 +20

Bye Jack, it's time for you to go too. The people are finally speaking up!

Report this comment

36. Comment by Joe B. (joelunchbucket) — December 17,2009 @ 12:23PM

Ratings:   -0 +21

I'm done. Won't be renewing our membership. I would encourage others to do the same ... the only thing this Board is going to listen to is an even bigger drop in membership .... It's just a rotten shame that this mans' ego prevents him from saving the organization he is supposed to care so much about from even more damage.

Report this comment

37. Comment by Robert M. (DowntownTtown) — December 17,2009 @ 12:34PM

Ratings:   -0 +17

If you are a small business owner, visit http://www.changetucsonchamber.com

Get in touch with the people leading this effort to find out how you can help bring change to this city's business environment

Report this comment

38. Comment by Doble R. (dobleremolque) — December 17,2009 @ 12:35PM

Ratings:   -0 +0

39. Comment by Doble R. (dobleremolque) — December 17,2009 @ 12:42PM

Ratings:   -10 +13

Interesting thing about that web site...(once you get past all the grammar and spelling errors) .... There's a lot of "we, the undersigned..." prefaces but when you look for who the "undersigned" are, there's nothing there! That's safe to say about this whole effort.

Not that the chamber couldn't use some new leadership. Camper's time was over about 10 years ago.

But another group of small business owners with outsized egos, squawking about how mistreated they are isn't the way to go about it.

Report this comment

40. Comment by Mike B. (Mic Marine) — December 17,2009 @ 1:18PM

Ratings:   -1 +14

As a retired commercial property manager, with aproximately 1.5 million s/f of office and retail under wing, I can say without reservation that less than 15% were ever members of the Chamber. It was not Jack that kept them away, it was the other members ego's.

Report this comment

41. Comment by Martha R. (azslim) — December 17,2009 @ 1:26PM

Ratings:   -8 +8

Me again.

One of the difficulties of starting groups like the Tucson First Coalition is that "the business community" is hard to define.

There are many business communities here, as there are anywhere. For example, there are communities that focus on a certain trade or profession. Construction comes to mind. And they tend to do business with each other.

And there are business communities which, shall we say, have a certain outlook on life. They may be environmentalists. They may be of a certain nationality or ethnicity. Or they may have a similar religious affiliation or belief system. Once again, you'll find a lot of people within these communities who do a lot of business with each other.

So, getting all the business communities here to march behind one drum major is going to be a challenge.

Report this comment

42. Comment by David N. (Arrow) — December 17,2009 @ 1:27PM

Ratings:   -16 +6

Yeah, what Tucson needs is more confrontation, assertiveness, abd polarization. Just look how well that approach is working in the state legislature.

Report this comment

43. Comment by Corina M. (AZ Commenter) — December 17,2009 @ 1:35PM

Ratings:   -14 +7

I am simply amazed at all the pro business people cyring about someone else's high salary. What did they take a leave of absence from the principles they support at all other times?

And WHY didn't the Star report WHO the "pair of morning radio hosts" were?

Why is anyone supposed to listen to the demands of entertainers?

Report this comment

44. Comment by SERIOUS T. (SERIOUSTHINKER) — December 17,2009 @ 2:31PM

Ratings:   -1 +17

GO TUCSON FIRST! It's about time we got some sensible leadership and the Chamber is a great place to start.

Report this comment

45. Comment by Jesse L. (Lugo) — December 17,2009 @ 3:15PM

Ratings:   -5 +8

It is time for small business to have a voice and be represented within the Tucson Chamber and not be represented by the special needs of Corporate America. If you are a small business owner in Tucson support the Tucson First Coalition as they share your common daily business strugles. Coporate America Tucson Chamber Board of Directors sign the backs of the payroll checks, we as small business owners sign the front of the checks.

Report this comment

46. Comment by Corinne O. (Change123) — December 17,2009 @ 3:30PM

Ratings:   -0 +17

I am a General Manager for a small business and my performance is measured on experience, results and growth of the company. I can’t be successful without all three and I would be fired if only had the experience and lacked the results and growth. Business is business whether you like someone or not you are judged on results within the community!

Report this comment

47. Comment by Jackie S. (gotajob) — December 17,2009 @ 4:01PM

Ratings:   -11 +4

Complain all you want. I bet every year you still write the check out for the invoice don't you. Why pay for something that gives you no benefit.

Report this comment

48. Comment by shelby m. (Maggie2) — December 17,2009 @ 5:13PM

Ratings:   -0 +16

I find it interesting ABQ has a larger chamber of commerce, more active then the one in Tucson and yet, ABQ is smaller. I have been a member of the chamber for many years, recently quit. It has done nothing for me or my business. Jack Camper is a self appointed dictator, who has a board full of sheep. I would like to know how many of them are in charge of semi weekly payrolls of over $20,000. I would guess none of them so they have no idea what's it like to run a business. Welcome to corporate America.

Report this comment

49. Comment by Robert B. (bohica) — December 17,2009 @ 5:28PM

Ratings:   -0 +16

I was on the Chamber of Commerce Board in Salt Lake City, which by the way is very pro Small Business, and the Chamber of Commerce is very active in promoting business and the community. Additionally, they have been very successful into bringing in new business ventures. I have been in Tucson 10 years and it looks like the Tucson Chamber of Commerce is virtually invisible, i.e. Stealth. The Tucson Chamber of Commerce needs new leadership now. And, we need only one Chamber for the Tucson Metro area, not four.

Report this comment

50. Comment by Keith C. (kcooper) — December 17,2009 @ 5:34PM

Ratings:   -0 +1

51. Comment by Keith C. (kcooper) — December 17,2009 @ 5:40PM

Ratings:   -1 +9

Been a part of a few business groups fighting for business issues and needs. I don't think we need more groups and would like to see the one(Chamber) work for the business community as expected. City Council are you listening...

Report this comment

52. Comment by Ed W. (samssis) — December 17,2009 @ 6:25PM

Ratings:   -0 +14

After reading through these posts, it appears as if the three legged stool that the chamber has been built upon just lost one leg and is ow toppling over.

Sad state of affairs this city is in right now. No one, and nobody, appears to be content with the way this city has been run, and what it has "progressively" transformed into.

So many entities in the pockets of the others nobody seems to know who is running what show here. Our taxes have been being wasted for far too many years, and with the juggling of issues and responsiblities between Pima County Government, and the City Government, there has NEVER been a clear picture.

I am delighted to see so many people waking up about all this. This is my home town. I grew up here, and I will die here. This is the first time I have noticed so many people alert and concerned about the direction we are headed.I intend to have my voice heard, irregardless if they care to listen or not.

Word of mouth has ALWAYS been the best advertisement in this city. People talk.

We ARE NOT a Sanctuary City, first and foremost. I say that to the leaders at ALL levels within this State. (Are you listening Mr. Mayor, City Council, Mr. Manager, Pima COunty Supervisors?)

These games they've been playing need to end.

We need new a new captain before this ship sinks.

Report this comment

53. Comment by Terry H. (1472) — December 17,2009 @ 7:20PM

Ratings:   -6 +5

When Jack Camper decided (or was it his decision?) to oppose Prop 200, that was the last straw for me. I have a family member who is a firefighter. We need to support our first responders: police and firefighters. Now it seems to be just as I expected, the City Council, without direction, will cut more from the first responder's budget and when your business is robbed or you have a medical emergency, you can anticipate delays because of a lack of manpower. Thanks Jack for all your support.

Report this comment

54. Comment by Joe S. (Joe Saba) — December 17,2009 @ 9:27PM

Ratings:   -0 +14

Tucson Chamber

Marshal Vest Club

etc.

elitist groups who network amongst themselves

I believe big companies need to PAY THEIR FARE SHARE

and small businesses need more breaks

true leadership is not high salaries, stock options up the wazoo

Hey Jack, Tucson is a retirement town

GET THE MESSAGE

or is Sundt bribing you to stay on

Report this comment

55. Comment by Mike B. (El Centro) — December 17,2009 @ 10:32PM

Ratings:   -2 +12

And then of course there was the Man and Woman of the Year program. I thought incest was illegal in States.

Report this comment

56. Comment by Christine G. (cgjasmine) — December 18,2009 @ 3:36PM

Ratings:   -0 +13

My family has been here since 1948 and I'm a native Tucsonan. My Husband and I have two small business. This is not just problem with the Chamber. I think it is about time that small businesses rise up and take our community back. If
we don't Tucson will never be a prosperous Community

Report this comment

57. Comment by lee l. (cheersfriends) — December 18,2009 @ 6:43PM

Ratings:   -0 +12

#4 People we cannot replace 32 years of experience that carrys at the state level also. If you want him out fine, graduate him out but do it to train his new person and then use him as an consultion.

Old Camper has had 12 years to graduate out of his job. Tom D. must be another overpaid elitist, also unwilling to quietly slither out of town.

There is no way that boring old man Camper is worth $169,000 a year. The man is out of wind and should be put out to pasture. This is a mercy campaign, not a hostile takeover.

Go small businesses!

Report this comment

58. Comment by lee l. (cheersfriends) — December 18,2009 @ 7:17PM

Ratings:   -0 +11

#28 This is who is to blame for the outrageous abuse of Chamber funds Lorraine.
2009 Past Chairman
Bonnie Allin
CEO, Tucson Airport Authority
Chairman of the Board
Ray Bargull
Sundt Construction
Vice Chair, Program of Work/Chairman-elect/Secretary
Gary Clark
Southwest Gas Corp.
Vice Chair, Budget and Finance
Brian Sonnleitner
BBVA Compass Bank
Vice Chair, Education and Community Development
Wendy West
IBM
Vice Chair, Economic Development
Randy McDonald
Citi Cards Tucson
Vice Chair, Public Affairs
John Sundt
1st Deed Funding, LLC
Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs
George Favela
Qwest Corporation
Vice Chair, Membership and Communications
Mike Jameson
Tucson Newspapers
Board of Directors
Jim Arnold, KOLD TV
Barry Bendall, Wells Fargo
Steve Christy
Steve Craddock, Lennar
Wyllstyne Hill, Raytheon
Paul Kappelman, Northwest Medical Center
Wendell Long, Sol Casinos
Zory Lopez, American Airlines
John Low, Asarco
Daniel McGraw, Chase
Mark Mistler, BBVA Compass
Bill Petrella, Westin La Paloma
Wayne Silberschlag, Burlini/Silberschlag, Ltd.
Richard Underwood, AAA Landscape
William Valenzuela, WG Valenzuela Drywall

Report this comment

59. Comment by Mike B. (El Centro) — December 19,2009 @ 12:54AM

Ratings:   -0 +9

I did not mean that the Man and Woman of the Year were incestuous. It was intended to be a dig on how "insider" the whole nomination process is. They never have any "commoners"...you know, like the small business folk they allegedly represent.

Report this comment

60. Comment by ruben s. (sanchezz) — December 19,2009 @ 9:39AM

Ratings:   -0 +11

I hear ya #56. The community needs to rise up and take back Tucson. Rio Nuevo was the tipping point for me. We have smart, young, progressive, educated people all around us. We need to get rid of the rotting dead wood, so Tucson can reach its full potential.

When I say progressive people, I don't mean all of those unemployed downtown artists.

Report this comment

61. Comment by sue g. (seeder) — December 19,2009 @ 10:55AM

Ratings:   -0 +11

Arrogance is a common characteristic of Tucson's current leaders of government and industry. Most have been in their positions for decades and have fallen out of touch with reality. Tucson expanded because of the real estate boon. Current leaders do not have the skills nor the experience needed to manage the growth. They are underqualified, inept, and ineffectual. They are resistant to change because their incompetence will be exposed.

Take the Chair of the COC, Ms. Bonnie Allin. She has exhibited her arrogance and incompetence at both the COC and the Tucson Airport.
1. Employee morale at TAA is nonexistent. Her arrogant attitude toward the little people she oversees destroyed it years ago. Employees are like zombies.
2. She insulates herself from the little people by encouraging hostile senior managers to maintain the status quo.
3. She is the guardian of millions of dollars just sitting in the bank, but continues to strip employees of everything that she can. She won't even purchase plastic spoons for the employee breakrooms. This year, she successfully took away annual cost of living pay increases. She seems to completely hate and despise her own employees.
4. While she provides elite Board Members with expensive catered lunches and free parking, she forces employees to have potlucks.
5. She attempted to withhold annual bonuses from employees this year and then reinstated them due to a public backlash. Her own annual bonuses are said to be around $30,000 or more.
6. She won't make her salary public, but it is probably more than Jack Camper's. By the way, Jack Camper is a Tucson Airport Authority member.

Report this comment

62. Comment by Mike B. (El Centro) — December 19,2009 @ 1:09PM

Ratings:   -0 +12

Ah yes, the Tucson Airport Authority. One of the few sovereign nations inside municipal boundaries. Also one of the few cities in the nation that does not realize tax revenue from its own frickin airport. You know why? After years of speculation about why the City does not annex TIA... the answer appears to be the first one that was floated in the Citizens Budget meeting in 1990. It is enviromentally dirty, and the City does not want to attract law suits.
Do we have any readers out there who can corroborate or refute this speculation?

Report this comment

63. Comment by jen h. (ArizTeacher) — December 19,2009 @ 7:33PM

Ratings:   -0 +11

Are you saying there is a river of toxic sludge flowing under TIA? So airport employees and travelers are being exposed to this unhealthy environment on a daily basis? Shocking!!!!! I can see why Mr. Camper is such a glad-handler. The good ole boys have a lot to hide.

Report this comment

64. Comment by jen h. (ArizTeacher) — December 19,2009 @ 7:47PM

Ratings:   -0 +11

I have seen portraits of the airport founders on the walls at TIA. Those must be the people who are responsible for the toxic pollutants in the ground. I don't see why they deserve to be honored. Those portraits should come down. They are probably the same leaders who hired Jack Camper to run the Chamber of Commerce 32 years ago.

Report this comment

65. Comment by clyde d. (takebacktucson) — December 20,2009 @ 7:34AM

Ratings:   -0 +2

"Camper supporters say that while the membership has dropped from 3,100 members in 1997 to 1,743 members today, that's in part a function of the fact that the chamber used to offer a health care plan that was dissolved when the plan was taken over by a new owner. The recession has exacerbated the drift, they maintain."

I beg to differ with these statements. I must agree with the aforementioned posts that it is the leadership that is the problem. I believe the same corporate managers who are mismanaging other institutions in Tucson, are also mismanaging the Tucson Chamber of Commerce. Putting Bonnie Allin at the helm, will surely cause an organization to decline very rapidly. The dramtically low economic numbers put out by the TAA substantiate this. This is a corporate CEO that is harming our city. I vote no confidence in her ability to manage any business entity proficiently.

Report this comment

66. Comment by apple m. (applemartini) — December 20,2009 @ 8:19AM

Ratings:   -0 +1

My cousin is a firefighter at the airport. It doesnt say it, but over time wages were also taken away by the airport director. Its true about the bonuses. The director did try to take it away but changed her mind about it. Does anybody really believe she wasn't going to go ahaed and pay herself 30K after she took money from the
workers? GIVE ME A BREAK!

Report this comment

67. Comment by apple m. (applemartini) — December 20,2009 @ 8:41AM

Ratings:   -0 +1

I was also told by my cousin about a secretary who had a affair with hr married boss at the airport. He gave her a manager job in return. The story is they got caught having s&# by a security camera, and because he was a manager, the evidence got thrown away. There are still workers there who were watching those 2 have a affair and think it was bad for that lady to get a promotion.

Report this comment

 

 

 
Tuesday, 07 September 2010