Page 14 - LRCC October 2020 Focus

combination of forces, including performance, a written questionnaire,
the COVID-19 pandemic and and, in some cases, an in-person interview.
the resulting economic fallout Only after this process is completed and
has raised the stakes in terms of a vote of the LRC-PAC Board is taken
the November 2020 election’s can a candidate be endorsed and be
A importance. The Lansing considered for financial support.
Regional Chamber of Commerce
(LRCC) is taking a key leadership role The value of the LRC-PAC endorsed
in rallying support for candidates at has been underscored in recent years
the local, state, and federal levels. They by the fact that more than 90 percent
can be difference-makers in leading the of LRC-PAC endorsed candidates have
region through these challenging times. won their elections. A prime example
occurred in the most recent August
The Lansing Regional Chamber of primary election where Delta Township
Commerce Political Action Committee Supervisor, Ken Fletcher survived
(LRC-PAC) has announced a bipartisan a challenge in the August primary
LRC slate of election endorsements for the election and advanced to the November
L A N S I N G R E G I O N A L C H A M B E R | P O L I T I C A L A C T I O N C O M M I T T E E |
PAC Nov. 3 general election ballot. The LRC- general election.
PAC is the non-partisan political action
committee of the Lansing Regional “The Chamber was without a doubt the
Chamber of Commerce, representing key player in my race,” said Fletcher. “I
over 1,100 businesses in the tri-county could not have done it without their
support, both in terms of financial
contributions and mailings in the district.
The Chamber is one organization that
NOVEMBER 2020 of what is best for a thriving region.”
endorses candidates with the sole interest

Clinton County Commissioner, Robert
Showers has long enjoyed LRC-PAC
A Pivotal Election been instrumental in promoting a
support and notes the Chamber has
bipartisan approach to dealing with
key regional issues. In recent years,
for Greater Lansing Capital Area Council of Governments
LRCC was instrumental in forming the
(CAPCOG), which brings leaders from
Ingham Eaton, and Clinton counties
and Michigan State University to
address issues of mutual importance
“The Chamber was without a doubt the key region. The objective of LRC-PAC is in the regional. CAPCOG has scored
to endorse candidates committed to the numerous victories, including securing
player in my race,” said Fletcher. “I could not principles of free enterprise, economic funds for the Coleman Road extension
have done it without their support, both in terms growth, and a pro-business philosophy. and the Heritage Center project near
the Michigan State Capitol.
of financial contributions and mailings in the “The November election is one of the most

district. The Chamber is one organization that critical elections in recent years,” said “We are one of the few organizations
Tonia Olson, chair, LRC-PAC Board of our type that has overcome political
endorses candidates with the sole interest of of Directors. “Many segments of our differences and lobbied for the common
what is best for a thriving region.” economy are struggling. Governmental good of the region,” said Showers. “I
leaders are faced with new challenges don’t care who benefits as long as it is
on top of systems that were already in in the region.”
a financially vulnerable position. Our
elected representatives need to make “We are particularly pleased with the
tough, fiscally sound decisions to bring bipartisan nature of the candidates we
financial health to the Greater Lansing have endorsed in November,” said Steve
region through efficient and effective Japinga, vice president of public affairs,
delivery of core government services LRCC. “The tough decisions that will
delivery. Based on our evaluation, you have to be made requires elected officials
can expect our endorsed candidates to who are willing to forget partisan labels
represent your interests.” and reach across the aisle with a spirit
of collaboration to seek bold, innovative
The LRC-PAC’s endorsement process solutions to the fiscal challenges faced
includes a review of a candidate’s past by the government at all levels.” n

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