With announcement of Sacramento First Entertainment and Sports Complex Task Force, Nov. 19, by Mayor Kevin Johson, the Sacramento Metro Chamber  issued this statement by President & CEO Matthew Mahood:   We are pleased that Mayor Johnson is taking a strong leadership role in solving this ongoing regional issue on how to finance and construct an entertainment and sports complex. We hope the task force can find a viable solution to building a world-class facility here that will attract qual... hsilliman percivel comment-19267 2009-12-14T03:16:42Z 2009-12-14T03:16:42Z The Chambers of Commerce represent whom? When they reach a conclusion, who would logically benefit? Follow the money! percivel 2009-12-14T03:16:42Z percivel comment-19264 2009-12-14T02:32:26Z 2009-12-14T02:32:26Z "Location of the facility in The Railyards is appropriate. But any location chosen should create a catalyst for complementary development or redevelopment." Sounds like another toot for corporate America again. What is good for GM is good for America? Yeah and look at what happened to GM. percivel 2009-12-14T02:32:26Z Stella M. comment-18113 2009-11-22T18:34:36Z 2009-11-22T18:34:36Z I want an arena only if there will be lions. ;-) I'd much rather see city resources focused on public safety, infrastructure maintenance, infill/redevelopment, and finding a solution for the homeless population. Stella M. 2009-11-22T18:34:36Z Susie Shields comment-18073 2009-11-21T05:06:42Z 2009-11-21T05:06:42Z The arena issue was hand-picked as the distraction du jour. DIrt is finally coming out about our illustrious mayor. What better way to shift the focus off of his dirty little troubles... People are very passionate about the arena and what better way to get the sports nuts on your side than say that you want an arena NOW! Susie Shields 2009-11-21T05:06:42Z RiseAgainst comment-18072 2009-11-21T04:39:58Z 2009-11-21T04:39:58Z Noted David....The Sac Chamber rang in an early endorsement for KJ. The basic reasoning explained to the membership was that there was not a relationship with Mayor Fargo. The endorsement would only gain them some clout in City Hall if KJ won; otherwise they are right back where they were already. The endorsement came regardless of criminal allegations that had yet to be formally addressed. Fair enough... The Chamber, through the MetroPAC, was a fundraising animal for KJ's campaign. The chair of the PAC, Michelle Smira of MMS Strategies, one of the top contributers to the PAC...Smira. Smira has been well covered on this website for recently leaving her volunteer position with KJ to except a contract with Nestle. She indirectly donates and helps solicit donations for KJ, she logs some hours as a volunteer, she lands the big contract with Nestle. It would almost seem like the donation was an investment in her own future. Here we are today. The Chamber and our Mayor hand-and-hand again. Allegations of unethical behavior again (for KJ.) The Chamber doesn't care again. A special advisory council of volunteers who will be rewarded again. It may not be illegal, but it does seem a bit douchy. RiseAgainst 2009-11-21T04:39:58Z David Watts Barton comment-18067 2009-11-21T03:37:07Z 2009-11-21T03:37:07Z RiseAgainst, please keep your comments substantive. Name-calling does nothing to support your argument (or knock down your adversaries'), enlighten your community, or even entertain your readers. David Watts Barton 2009-11-21T03:37:07Z Dale Kooyman comment-18065 2009-11-21T02:15:42Z 2009-11-21T02:15:42Z Sacramento Chamber is not known for its brains otherwise it would do more and better for Sacramento. Dale Kooyman 2009-11-21T02:15:42Z RiseAgainst comment-18062 2009-11-21T00:59:19Z 2009-11-21T00:59:19Z http://themetrounderground.blogspot.com/2008/04/round-one.html#links RiseAgainst 2009-11-21T00:59:19Z tdramer comment-18037 2009-11-20T23:40:15Z 2009-11-20T23:40:15Z http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2338165.html tdramer 2009-11-20T23:40:15Z