Chamber Slate

It looks like the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is positioning themselves to cement their control of Scottsdale city government. A reliable source reports that after considerable speculation Suzanne Klapp and Ron McCullagh will run for re-election. Clearly Jim Lane is running for mayor again and raising tons of money from Chamber members. Virginia Korte will now join them.

If Virginia’s name sounds only vaguely familiar to you, it’s probably due mostly to her father’s car dealership on McDowell Road: Ray Korte Chevrolet. That property has been ‘parked’ for many years with 2nd tier dealerships. Plans were floated at one time for a boutique hotel on that property that stands to benefit greatly if SkySong (across the street) every fulfills ANY of its promised benefits. Obviously, that’s one big reason she worked so hard behind-the-scenes to see that deal go through.

Virginia is very active in the Chamber, though with less visibility in recent years. She’s also the president and CEO of Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS), a noble long-time Scottsdale organization that provides employment services and day programs to individuals with development and cognitive disabilities. Her takeover of that organization was, however, accompanied by controversy.

With longtime Chamber members Linda Milhaven and Dennis Robbins firmly entrenched on the city council, the Chamber could theoretically achieve a “clean sweep” (or perhaps “haboob” would be more appropriate) and have firm control of the city’s planning, zoning, and coffers for at least a couple of years.

There are few things that frighten me more.