Wasilla chamber has a chance to begin anew

With 12 candidates hoping to fill six vacant seats on the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce board of directors, the community organization can put a tumultuous few months behind it.

Late last spring, its executive director was found to have spent money on the chamber credit card for questionable purchases. That prompted the resignation of several board members and calls from the business community for better accountability. As summer arrived, the chamber was embroiled in controversy. Ultimately, Cheryl Metiva resigned from her duties and the mending began.

The chamber is still hurting financially, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The October board election can only improve the chamber’s image in the Valley.

The dozen candidates include business owners to financiers to the publisher of this newspaper, so the field is diverse. They all can bring something different to the table.

More than likely all the candidates will have some good ideas about what the chamber can do to spark commerce in this time of belt-tightening not just here, but across the country. At least that’s the hope.

But they all also must have a picture of what they don’t want to happen again. That starts with accountability from top to bottom. That must be their mission so the wounds from summer can heal.

While 12 are committed to the election, more can be on the ballot. Candidates can still be nominated by petition. The petition has to include signatures of at least 5 percent of the membership Monday. So, if there are others out there who want to help promote Wasilla and its businesses, they should get started. Five percent represents about 20 signatures, so it isn’t that hard to get on the ballot.

For those who want to hear what the candidates have to say, attend the forum scheduled for Oct. 6.

The ballots will be sent out Oct. 15. All members should make their voices heard.

For a list of the candidates, check out last Sunday’s newspaper, or go online at Frontiersman.com.