Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

As of January 13th, 2009, I, Linda Sims, will not hold the office of President of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce. Although I received 76% of all votes mailed in to the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, the present board decided to ignore the members' votes and voted to ask for my resignation. It is very clear there would be no cooperation from the board if I stay on, judging by the past meetings. Some people are meaner than I am tolerant, in my opinion.

I believe that rules, regulations and by laws are put in place for a reason and should be followed. Without these by laws the board does not understand how to conduct business. This is very evident. If the directors wanted to make the decision in electing officers, they simply would have voted using the correct steps in their by laws. But when they don't even read the by laws it's difficult to make the proper decisions. It does not seem right to me for the ballots to be mailed out to all the members and when the ballots come back in with the members' choice, a fit is thrown and they just decide that they will disregard the members' votes and change it however they want the results to be.

I have resigned on January 5, 2009, now these people can go back to their sandbox and play. No rules, policies, and procedures to follow. No accountability.

I have attempted to point out that there is a direct conflict of interest for one person to sit on two or more Board of Directors connected with the city, BEDC, charities, and the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce. Which board will that person represent when asked for assistance-- the board that needs the assistance or the board being asked for assistance? I also believe that having close family members on the same board is not a good thing. Having several people from the same church is questionable. And, absolutely nobody should be a director without being a paid member first!

On January 5, 2009, the Directors of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce had a called meeting to slice and dice and I actually had no recourse but to resign. I may not attend the Banquet this year but I do hope it is a huge success. I wish each member of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce the best year ever. I have enjoyed meeting you all and talking with you also.

Each one of the local boards needs new blood on board, anyone can become a member and join. They need new ideas and cooperation. Please get involved if your interests are for the good of the community. The purpose of these boards has nothing to do with who likes whom; the purpose is for the betterment of our community. May God Bless Sincerely, Linda Sims, President 2008 Buffalo Chamber of Commerce