22/04/2014
To The Editor
“Angry Member”
The article printed in the Shepparton News on Tuesday 15th April, “Chamber backs SPC road closure request”, reports that the Chamber has backed the closure of Andrew Fairley Avenue in a unanimous vote of the executive. The Chamber President said that the vote took place at a regular Board meeting.
Having served the Chamber of Commerce for over 13 years, as Manager and Board Member, and still passionately involved as a business member, I am astounded that the current Board has made such astatement and published it in the local press - astatement which perceivably represents itsmembership, but the Board did not seek the opinion of its members, many of whom are now very angry and disappointed. The Chamber’s statement borders on being politically unforgiveable.
The Chamber Board members, some of whom have years of governance experience, should have knownbetter. I personally have been accused of stirring the pot, but the community have contacted me on this matter as most people still assume I am involved with the Chamber Board.
My strong personal feeling, having regard to the best interests of Chamber members, is that the road should not be closed. The Board are the ones thathave made this decision and put the future credibilityof the Chamber of Commerce in jeopardy.
There is only one solution now for the Chamber of Commerce Board, and that is to rescind theirdecision, and I mean the Board’s decision – which clearly is not that of many of the members.
Most importantly, as well they must withdraw their submission to Council and alternatively make individual submissions as is their independent right.
Morry McKellar