Debate Goes On In La Salle Over Chamber Membership

Can a city council member who belongs to the chamber of commerce vote on whether or not the city should also belong to the chamber? That’s question La Salle’s attorney will be researching before the aldermen will finally be able to decide if the city will continue to be part of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.

The city’s membership expired in July. It’ll cost 13 thousand dollars to renew for another year. The council put off voting on the question at their July 27 meeting, saying they wanted to hear from IVAC officials and the city’s economic development director Don Alesky.

The council got their wish last night. Barb Koch, IVAC Executive Director, told the council they were there to help and assist and would La Salle a fair shake when it comes to development. Alesky told the council he would work with the chamber but he was prepared to proceed without them if that’s how the council votes.

When it came time for voting, the alderman were mixed. If Tom Ptak, Demetrio Salazar and John Lavieri have to pass because they’re members of IVAC, the no’s would have it and the city would not continue with the chamber. It’s unclear if the three IVAC members will have to pass on their votes. The council plans on having that questioned answered and another vote at their next regular meeting.