Letter to the editor

Outraged by the Palmer Chamber of CommerceTo the editor:

I didn’t think it was possible to be more outraged and offended by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

I was wrong.

I’m sure everyone has heard about the recent name change from Colony Days to BaRF (Braided River Festival) that was announced on a Friday, only to be pulled 36 hours later, along with the resignations of four Board Members? Well, I just left my very first Chamber of Commerce “Open-to-the-Public” luncheon down at the Palmer historic train depot. I went there expecting to hear an explanation or apology or something other than a glossing-over of the events that led to this name change. To no avail. A bit of fluff/speech about the explanations being offered to their members in private was what was delivered by Ailis Chamber.

However, I did not expect to find even more arrogance and offensive statements than I can find a good descriptor to relate. I hope there is a recording of this luncheon, so everyone can see if I’m misquoting the keynote speaker.

While explaining to the group how to vote in the new rank choice method coming up for all Alaskans, she said the members should reach out and assist others, along with the following two statements:

“You know the saying the masses are asses?” and “Everyone knows the most intelligent people in the community are here in this room.”

I beg to differ with her.

Those are the most arrogant, classless, asinine, and unintelligent statements I can remember hearing, said before a varied audience that included quite a few dignitaries, no less. I can list names if anyone wants verification.

If this is what the Chamber of Commerce in Palmer is about, that certainly explains why they thought a name change from Colony Days to Braided River Festival without a hint of warning would be accepted and applauded. The Chamber of Commerce has shown their true colors – that of an inclusionary, judgmental, arrogant, group of people.

Jacquelyn I. Goforth,

Palmer