Stepping up advocacy efforts for business , the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s political action committee, Metro PAC , started fund raising early for the 2007-08 election cycle and is making early endorsements of regional candidates.

“We’re making our voice for business stronger,” said Warren Smith, executive vice president of the Sacramento River Cats Baseball Club and Metro PAC chair.

“We are investing in a political strategy that will help get elected candidates who are business friendly and have a vision for making our region prosper.”

Part of the strategy to increase the effectiveness and influence of Metro PAC includes making early endorsements of candidates

The strategy was outlined in the 2007 Business Plan, an outcome of the annual Metro Chamber board of directors retreat.

“We are seeing results already,” Smith said. “Participation among the membership has increased and our Metro PAC fund-raising has shown extremely positive results.”
Metro PAC is being transformed to meet the political realities the region is facing. “We need more elected officials who understand what it is to make a weekly payroll, handle personnel issues, improve sales and meet the burdens of regulations. And people who have proven effective leaders in our region, cooperating with other stakeholders.”

Metro PAC-endorsed candidates
• Susan Peters, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors
• Roberta MacGlashan, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors
• Renee Taylor, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Board of Directors
• Christopher Cabaldon, 8th Assembly District