Pictured: Tom Binge
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Ballot Issues Forum, held on September 5, 2024, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, provided valuable insights for the business community ahead of the upcoming elections. Hosted by Tom Binge, chair of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the forum was presented by Salt River Project and sponsored by Dignity Health; the event aimed to educate business leaders on key ballot issues.
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA), which represents more than 5,000 businesses, was highlighted for its role in advocating for policies that support economic growth. Binge introduced key EVCCA leaders from chambers across the region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advocating for business-friendly legislation.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke addressed the audience, underscoring the role local businesses play in shaping policies that directly impact the community. Following the mayor’s remarks, Tom Dorn and Eric Emmert of the Dorn Policy Group led the forum, presenting detailed information on various ballot propositions. Dorn Policy Group, known for its expertise in public affairs, facilitated a balanced discussion with both pro and con speakers for each proposition.
Key propositions discussed included:
Proposition 134: Legislative Districts (Pro – Chad Smith, Arizona Farm Bureau; Con – Marilyn Rodriguez, Creosote Partners)
Proposition 314: Border Security and Illegal Entry (Pro – James Rogers, Attorney; Con – Monica Villalobos, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
Proposition 138: Tipped Workers and Wages (Pro – Dan Bogert, Arizona Restaurant Association; Con – Ben Scheel, Opportunity Arizona)
Proposition 140: Election Fairness (Pro – Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson; Con – Andrew Gould, Holtzman Vogel)
Proposition 312: Property Tax and Nuisance Enforcement (Pro – Jenna Bentley, Goldwater Institute; Con – Kiana Marie Sears, NAACP East Valley Chapter)
Proposition 479: Maricopa County Regional Transportation Plan Excise Tax (Pro – Joe Wolf, Connect Maricopa; Con – Greg Blackie, Arizona Free Enterprise Club)
The forum also provided a neutral overview of additional propositions, including measures on emergency powers, judicial retention and abortion access, delivered by Dorn and Emmert.
Mike Noble, CEO of Noble Predictive Insights, closed the forum with a political overview of the 2024 election, offering insights into voter trends and key political dynamics.
In his closing remarks, Tom Binge thanked the sponsors, panelists and participants, reminding attendees of important election dates and encouraging voter registration before the October 7 deadline. The forum successfully prepared the business community for the upcoming elections.
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