Letters to the Editor: Issue of June 21, 2012
Time for chamber to merge
It’s time for the Poway Chamber of Commerce pack up its tent and merge with the San Diego North Chamber. Under Debra Rosen’s leadership they have become a true force in the community and region.
As a past member and board member of the Poway Chamber, I’ve watched it atrophy to the point of no return. I sat on the board for three years and could never figure out the purpose, direction, or what the chamber actually did.
The Poway Chamber doesn’t do anything for the businesses in Poway. The chamber used to run the parade, used to have a kiddie fair at the street fest, and used to sponsor the car show. The chamber has a poor, at best, relationship with the South Poway Business Association.
If there was any sign of life or potential I’d support it, but there isn’t. I’ve talked to many leaders in the business community and there’s no support left for the chamber.
I know some will say that we should step up but there’s no reason to. We have a great, active, influential chamber in the North County inland area so why not join forces and make the business community regionally that much stronger?
It’s time to move on.
Kevin McNamara, Poway
Worth it to fix boiler
The boiler for the steam locomotive at Old Poway Park needs to be replaced. The boiler has greatly outlived its lifespan. The volunteers with the railroad have done their best in extending its life, but it gets to a point that there is nothing left that they can do and the boiler must be replaced. It is not something that the volunteers can do either. It is something that a professional must do.
The city has a very large investment in the railroad. To see that investment diminish because of the change of the status of the locomotive to a museum piece would be fiscally unwise. If we don’t fix it now and wait, the cost will jump if the boiler goes before replacing. It’s like getting work done on your vehicles — “You can pay me now, or pay me later” and paying later will cost a lot more than now. Also, how much of a negative impact would it be to the businesses around Old Poway? What about the special events held at Old Poway? Some of them wouldn’t be the same and some would probably be ended.
The locomotive is also a symbol of Poway. If that locomotive became a museum piece in the train barn, it would be a waste. There aren’t too many operating authentic steam locomotives around. Poway is proud to have one of those.
I urge the residents of Poway and train lovers all over to contact the Poway City Council and urge them to vote for the funding of the replacement of the boiler of the locomotive.
Roger C. Covalt, Poway
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on Jun 20 2012. Filed under Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
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Merging the Poway Chamber with the North Chamber is like merging the Pomerado Newspaper with San Diego's Tribune. The chamber represents the interest of local businesses, and not the entire region. For realtors like Mr. McNamara, the Poway Chamber may not be the best opportunity to expand his business;however, for others, it's a small group of community minded individuals that are not only interested in doing business in Poway, but are also interested in contributing to Poway, specifically, and not all of North County. I've volunteered for several street fair setups, mixers, and Poway events in the past, and will continue to do so. I have never seen Mr. McNamara do the same. When I votlunteered to moderate one of the Council forums, there were only a handful of volunteer who assisted. Being in the Poway Chamber is not just about the business community, but about the quality of life in Poway. I don't look towards the Chamber to make a buck. I I would hope that more Powegian businesses owners would volunteer their time to this community, instead whining about a problem in which they could have been the solution.
I have over 60 tenants in Poway. All working hard, trying to survive, and looking for support that never came from the Chamber. So is a very tired old Street Fair the purpose or supporting business in Poway? I volunteer for many worthwhile projects but that is my personal decision. I tried to move the Chamber in a new direction for three years and was fought at every turn.
Kevin your property has some of the worst signage town. Instead of monument signage that lists the businesses in your center, all you have is a sign that give the center a name. You purport to support your tenants but you're out dated property and poor signage says more.
Kevin, cry me a river.
I'm not complaining about anything. My Poway Valley Center doesn't have room for a monument. Code doesn't allow for it. I think the rest of my properties have great signage. My point is that the Chamber's day is done. I do wonder why you hide anonymously.
The Chamber's day isn't done. They just didn't cave to your bully tactics.