I’m appalled that Jack Riggs would use the Chamber of Commerce’s mailing list, which should be protected and neutral, to send a letter to chamber members. The content of this letter is misleading, and urges chamber members to “influence” and “educate” their employees to vote for a particular slate. This borders on unethical and is clearly unprofessional. I wouldn’t use my position to “influence” my employees, which would qualify as undue pressure and intimidation.

Claiming Mary Souza isn’t pro business is a false statement. She absolutely supports the business community, while taking a stand for accountability with taxpayers’ dollars; some simply don’t like this approach. She is absolutely in favor of growth spread evenly throughout the community, not just downtown. Your continued support downtown and LCDC, is clearly self-serving. It would seem that Steve Widmyer, as a downtown business and property owner, would significantly benefit from a relationship with you and LCDC. If he were elected mayor, a conflict of interest would exist. It is time for this nonsense to end.

In addition, it is misleading to state that Steve Widmyer and his “slate” are supported by the police, Fire, and Board of Realtors. Actually, there are only a few people on these boards who make the decision to endorse, but they certainly do not represent everyone. In fact, there are a large number of Mary Souza, Chris Fillios, Noel Adam and Sharon Hebert supporters within these associations.

In closing, Mary Souza’s actions have not been about dividing the community, as you suggest. She has clearly demonstrated that she’s interested in equal representation for ALL the people. It is her intention to restore accountability, integrity and trust. It is her approach that will ultimately unite this community, and her leadership has been desperately needed for a very long time.

JENNIFER SCOTT

New Chamber member

Coeur d’Alene