Published: October 31, 2009 04:57 pm      

Chamber Window - Nov. 1, 2009

Time to exercise your right to vote

Tuesday, Nov. 3 is Election Day.

Candidate signs are up all over town, and 11 proposed state constitutional amendments are on the ballot.

Right here in San Marcos, two City Council seats are open and ready for you, the voter to make a decision on who will best serve the community for the next two years .

To review the constitutional amendments and candidate positions, you can read the League of Women Voters' non partisan Voters Guide. (The Voter's Guide is posted, for your convenience, on the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.sanmarcostexas.com.)

Traditionally, non presidential election years and elections that do not call for a tax increase do not attract large numbers of voters. Let's change that statistic here in San Marcos. Our future depends on it.

Everyone, regardless of party affiliation, needs to ask where the candidates stand on keeping our local economy strong and competitive. Do the candidates understand the issues and know what it takes to attract good-paying jobs? Do they support investments in transportation to ease congestion and save lives?

We need candidates that clearly understand economic fundamentals and that can steer our community into the future.

The media frequently report on the political influence of unions and other special interest groups. Recently we are hearing talk about the influence of the business community. It's about time! We have the resources, numbers and clout to shape the outcome of the 2009 elections. Let's prove that we are up to the task!

Please take the time if you have not already to access the voters guide and to learn about the issues and candidates. Make time available and encourage your employees (and family members) to vote on Election Day. The only thing worse than not voting is not understanding who or what you are voting for. We have all seen that every vote counts. Make sure your voice is heard in the November 2009 election. And make it count – by educating yourself and making smart choices that benefit our community and our region.

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meets monthly at the Chamber to discuss the very serious issues facing businesses today. For more information on how you can get involved in this important effort, please call the Chamber at (512) 393-5900. The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce is focuses on business, focused on you. Now - Go Vote!