Chamber woes....
Baldwin Park Councilwoman Marlen Garcia has some serious concerns about the city's Chamber of Commerce:
Councilwoman has concerns about Chamber of Commerce
By Tania Chatila, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 06/27/2008 10:26:08 PM PDT
BALDWIN PARK - A councilwoman wants to rescind the city's membership in the Chamber of Commerce, citing growing concerns about how the group is run.
Marlen Garcia - who has served as the city's representative to the chamber for about eight years - said the group struggles to be self-sufficient and engages in activities that could potentially expose it to litigation.
Garcia also said she has received complaints from business owners that the chamber does not provide them with the support they need.
"A lot of things are happening that are going to expose the chamber to some legal issues," she said. "It seems like they can't get their act together."
Chamber officials refute the claims.
"That's her opinion," said Jose Barrera, the chamber's vice president. "Everybody is entitled to their opinion. We have close to 300 members. Believe me, if something was wrong with the way we treat our members, we wouldn't have that many members."
At a June 18 City Council meeting, Baldwin Park business owner and chamber member Greg Tuttle - who is also spearheading a recall against Garcia and two other council members - accused Garcia of threatening to disband the group, and take it over.
Tuttle, of Pomona, claimed Chamber Executive Director David Luevano told him Garcia threatened his job security at an informal meeting a few weeks ago.
Luevano could not be reached for comment Friday.
Garcia said the claims were false.
"I can swear on 10 Bibles I never said that," Garcia said. "My intention is not to come in and rule the roost. My intention is to come in and help."
Barrera, who was at that informal meeting in which Garcia wanted to discuss a personnel matter she felt was mishandled, also said Garcia did not threaten Luevano.
But, Barrera said, Garcia did accuse him and Luevano of being unqualified.
"She was upset," Barrera said. "She straight out was very disrespectful ... She insinuated she was going to the have the council come in and supervise (the chamber)."
Because the chamber is a non-profit organization and does not receive a subsidy from the city, Barrera said the council really has no say in the chamber's actions.
Garcia said about two years ago the city loaned the chamber $10,000. They have since paid back that debt.
Still, Garcia worries the chamber may not have the funds to continue in the future.
"This chamber has had a tainted history," Garcia said, adding that she believes it may be time to consider some kind of new association for businesses.
"I think the Baldwin Park Chamber has a negative connotation to it," she said. "Let's hear from the rest of the community. If they want to start up a group, as a council, we'll sit back, listen and hear what they have to say."
tania.chatila@sgvn.com
(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2109
WOW I REALLY THINK SHE BELIEVES SHE CAN TELL THE TRUTH WITH ALL THOSE BIBLES. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TAUGHT YOU DON'T NEED BIBLES TO TELL THE TRUTH MAYBE SHE JUST A CONFUSED PERSON WHO IS THE ONE THAT NEEDS A CHANGE. THE THREATS,LIES,MONEY SHUFFLE TRICKS IN THE COUNCIL AND A CURRENT DEVELOPER ALL WILL COME TO A END VERY SOON AND MAYBE SHE CAN JOIN CORONA IN REHAB. THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES BUT GUESS WHAT THEY BOTH NEED HELP. IT'S REALLY ASHAME SHE IS OUT THERE REPRESENTING A WELL KNOWN HOSPITAL TOO BUT I UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE A VERY GOOD REHAB CENTER FOR HER. BYE YOU HAD A NICE RUN IN BULLY POLITICS BUT NOW THE REAL LEADERS FOR THE PEOPLE WILL RETAKE THE CITY COUNCIL,SCHOOL BOARD,POLICE DEPT AND WATER DEPT.
I suport Garcia. She is not trying to take over the Chamber. She just knows what all the rest of us see. They are out of touch.
the chamber of commerce has not done squat for me. they are nothing but a little click of old time out-of-towners who do not care one iota about Baldwin Park. Garcia gets my vote of support.
greg tuttle should just go back to Pomona if he hates baldwin park so much. how is it that he can come to our town and try to tell us what to do.
I have lots and lots and lots and lots of opinions on this matter. but for the real scoop on things and on the company that owns this newspaper look here:
http://www.godandscience.org/San_Gabriel_Valley_Tribune.html
and here
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/22/business/fi-singleton22
THEY KEEP REMOVING THIS BECAUSE THE TRUTH HURTS.
This is a very very very very very very interesting matter but for the truth about Media News Group the company that owns the Tribune, the Pasadena Star and the Whittier paper look here for their illicit profiteering:
http://www.godandscience.org/San_Gabriel_Valley_Tribune.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/22/business/fi-singleton22
THEY SAY THEY WANT TO GET THE TRUTH OUT. JUST NOT ABOUT THEMSELVES.
The question everyone wants to know: how is MOE? is he okay? did he plan this escape all along? GO MOE! GO!!!
"It seems like they can't get their act together." This is an exact quote from a person who can't stop eatting twinkies and other fatty foods! She, of all people, needs to get her act together. I for one appreciate Mr. Tuttle and the truths that he speaks. Keep up the good work Mr. Tuttle and thank you for your work on trying to get all three council members out. I support your efforts
The truth Tuttle speaks? Are you for real? I've been to at least 5 council meetings where he's been corrected on his "truth" and took it like a school child.
Why no coverage of this?
Tuttle you low down rattle-snake. Get the heck out of Baldwin Park and take all those CARA jerks with you. Go back to Pomona where you below and stop messing with our City.
Marlen Garcia needs to stop meddling around in Chamber affairs. Ever since she was elected she takes it up on her self to assume authority well above her position. Learn your role as a Councilperson Ms. Garcia.
I have some advice: The chamber of commerce when run properly, benefits out city. As a Board Member, YOU should work towards fixing it rather than taking the Mayor's advice to eliminate it!
Always you take the easy way out. Sure it would be difficult to work towards offering ways to improve it BUT thats your job!
Its no secret that this is a political ploy by you to eliminate your political rivals in the Chamber. You should be ashamed of yourself.
FREE MOE!!!
I am glad that Marlen spoke-up. There is something very wrong the way the Chamber is being run. The Executive Director has done some questionable things that bring doubt to his actions. To make sure that all is right first there must be an audit. Which should have been done long ago but mysteriously never happened. I hope that the new President (of the Chamber of Commerce)is strong enough to follow though what the last President never even brought up.This audit by the way was voted on by the past Board of Directors of the Chamber. And why is the
Chamber open only 4 days a week? Easy money ($1000 a week)for the Ex Dir. who is always difficult to get a hold of.
The BP chamber has had some serious problems for awhile now. Hopefully they can get their act together.
Tuttle you pasty faced son-of-gun get out of dodge and dont come back.
Quote from Tuttle: "BYE YOU HAD A NICE RUN IN BULLY POLITICS BUT NOW THE REAL LEADERS FOR THE PEOPLE WILL RETAKE THE CITY COUNCIL,SCHOOL BOARD,POLICE DEPT AND WATER DEPT."
The "real leaders for the people?" And who exactly is that? Where have they been?
Damn. What was the last grade you completed? Seriously.
I've had the pleasure of meeting Council member Garcia and in no way do I believe these accusations. COUNCIL MEMBER GARCIA...YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT!!!!!!!
I've had the pleasure of meeting Council member Garcia and in no way do I believe these accusations. COUNCIL MEMBER GARCIA...YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT!!!!!!!
I also support GARCIA!!!!
I will be casting my vote for Ms. Garcia BECAUSE she's taking a stand against those do nothings in the CHAMBER. Hear that Tuttle? Go back to Pomona you joke.
I too am a "Baldwin Park" lifelong resident and Marlen has my unconditional support. Keep up the good work Marlen and don't let these out of town, "I pay my $39 business license fee" people discourage you. Yes Tuttle, that means you! Go back to Pomona.
Someone should look into MARLEN GARCIA'S job at Kaiser. Is she qualified?
How did she get the job?
Dig deeper and you will find that she was hired by political cronies as payback for continued political favors.
Someone should also look into Marlen Garcia's FPPC 700 forms and her campaign contribution forms. Interesting to connect the dots.