Letters.

Chambers Valuable for Dot-Coms

I was astonished by the article in your April 3 edition, "Dot-Com Executives Stay Away From Local Chambers." Evidently, dot-com execs need to get off their rear end, take a walk, get some fresh air, and envision more than a video display terminal.

Sure, I am biased. I am a local elected official, and past president of the Downey Chamber of Commerce. In my 14 years of participation with the chamber, rarely have I generated business directly from my participation in the chamber. My business does not handle "walk-ins."

I continue to participate in the chamber primarily for the benefit of legislative advocacy. A perennial "wrestling match" will always exist between government and business, with government (whether local, state, or federal) time and again limiting and preventing business activity in the name of enlightened legislation -- often with unforeseen negative consequences. Thus Ronald Reagan's comment regarding government's view of business and economy: "If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. When it stops moving, subsidize it."

For an industry that has before it the significant issue or potential taxation of Internet sales and/or activities, one would think that leaders in this industry would seek allies. What better source than fellow businesses? What better resource than chambers of commerce, which for decades have fought against taxes, fees, regulations and mandates?

I use the Internet daily, at two different places. However, given the short-sightedness that your article has indicated, I'll take my investments -- along with my purchases of cars, toys, flowers and stamps - off-line and on the street.

KEITH MCCARTHY

Mayor

City of Downey

Your recent article on local chambers and their value to dot-coms made some valid points, but did not tell the whole story. There are no groups better positioned to assist dot-coms and high-techs with local problems than forward-thinking local chambers.

Some of the most challenging issues for dot-coms locally are finding employees, training existing employees, looking long term to give young students a solid base in math and science, building and expansion issues with their local cities, commuting challenges for employees and the availability of affordable housing.

With its tremendous connections in the community, a good local chamber can address all of these problems. It can offer immediate assistance with the creation of training programs at local colleges, forge connections with local career centers on behalf of the busy dot-coms, work with the school district to better train middle-school teachers in science and math, lobby on behalf of the companies before city councils and planning departments for approval and fast-tracking of expansion projects, meet with the local transportation authority to revise train and bus schedules to accommodate employees, and push for additional affordable housing units in their communities.

At the California Chamber, large high-tech firms are joining quickly as word spreads of our advocacy on their behalf. Knowledgeable New Economy firms know we are out in front on issues such as privacy, tax and independent contractor issues, international trade, transportation education and housing. We make a point of letting these companies know that active local chambers that receive our updates on state issues do a great deal of grassroots lobbying on their behalf, as well.

Rather than discounting local chambers, startups' first stop should be their area chambers to determine if they are functioning as invaluable resources in this new economy. A strong chamber is a godsend for a dot-com with limited "bandwidth."

ANNE LECLAIR

Vice President

California Chamber of Commerce

Don't Cry for Darva

I couldn't agree more with Mitch Albom's article on Darva Conger ("Pity Is Wasted on This Misguided Marriage," March 27). If there ever was a foolish woman, she is it! I hope all men don't look at Darva and say, "See, all women are alike!" We are not. The majority of us have brains, good looks, great personalities, good careers, and can stand on our own two feet without feeling we need a man to complete us.

I think Darva knew exactly what she was going after and, like Mr. Albom said, "she got exactly what she wanted." Feel sorry for her? No way. Envy her? Absolutely not. She got her 15 minutes of fame, let's go on to something worth reading about.

MARIELLEN AMBER 

Monrovia