Biddeford-Saco Chamber Director Comments on the U.S. Chamber

It is important that I start this month’s column out with a clarification and a statement regarding the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement of a local candidate and their negative advertising campaign.

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry is not a direct member of the U.S. Chamber. We do not pay dues of any kind to them.  We are a member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and they do belong to the U.Ss Chamber so that our State is represented. So technically there is a very loose connection.  Ironically, the U.S. Chamber’s regional representative has emailed us with language and explanations on how to distance ourselves from their actions.  Go figure!  Most importantly, all local Chambers are very independent and spend a vast majority of our time to promoting our communities and member businesses. We do not take direction or orders from the U.S. Chamber or the State Chamber.  We answer to our membership.

Locally, the Chamber board of directors does not endorse candidates.  We think it is in our members’ best interest that we provide information and opportunities to meet and hear the candidates directly.  We will continue to sponsor events and provide a service by inviting candidates to visit our community and meet local businesses.

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber urges all candidates to contact us and set up an appointment if they want to visit the area and have direct access to our membership.  We believe the candidates will be better received and will find a more positive tone and reception by working through us locally. 

A few people have taken the time to write and call us on this issue.  I want to thank you for doing so and I think it is legitimate to ask about our connection to the US Chamber and the negative political ads.  Recently, on three occasions, I heard people say “candidates use negative ads because they work.”  I find this very troubling.  When you and I apply for a position or a job, we put our best skills forward on our resume. We brag about our qualities and our work ethic.  We do not spend our entire time telling the employer about all the negative information we know about the other potential candidates.  Why is it then that we tolerate this from political candidates?  Last I knew, we the people employ them.  Would you hire the person who says the meanest, nastiest and most negative things about the other candidate?  I’ll stop here so I don’t cloud this article with any more personal comments than necessary. 

I hope you all enjoy the final weeks of August and that you all have a safe and prosperous Labor Day. 

Best,
Craig A. Pendleton