The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has announced its endorsement process for local candidates pursuing public office.

With a commitment to promoting a pro-business environment and advocating for the interests of the Chandler business community, the Chamber's Good Government Committee has designed a comprehensive procedure to ensure that endorsed candidates align with the values and objectives of the business community.

Central to this process is the impartial and transparent evaluation conducted by the Good Government Committee and the Chamber's Board of Directors.

The chamber’s endorsement process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Candidate Questionnaire: Candidates seeking endorsement will receive a preliminary questionnaire to gather essential information about their campaign, platform, and background. A panel of 3-5 committee members will thoroughly review the responses to ensure a complete understanding of each candidate's stance and priorities.

Step 2: Candidate Endorsement Interview: Qualified candidates who have completed the questionnaire will be invited to participate in an endorsement interview.

These interviews offer candidates the opportunity to articulate their platform, qualifications, and vision directly to the Chandler Chamber. Recordings of these interviews will be shared on Chandler Chamber platforms for the benefit of Chamber members and the general public. A second panel of 3-5 committee members will review the recorded interviews to provide diverse perspectives on each candidate's suitability for endorsement.

Step 3: Candidate Forum: Candidates who successfully complete both the questionnaire and interview will have the opportunity to participate in a candidate forum on Tuesday, May 7, at the Chandler Council Chambers from 5:30 pm to 7 p.m.

This forum serves as a crucial platform for candidates to engage with the community, present their platforms, and address key issues facing the City of Chandler.

The Forum will be televised on the City’s website and broadcast on Chandler’s local Channel 11, and will be available on the Chandler Chamber’s YouTube Channel and website.

Following the forum, a third panel of 3-5 committee members will provide their assessment of each candidate’s policy priorities. After the Candidate Forum, the Good Government Committee will discuss candidate evaluations and make an official endorsement recommendation to the Executive Committee for review.

The executive committee will present the final recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval and an official Chandler Chamber endorsement.

“Candidate endorsements serve as a conduit for the Chamber to engage with political leaders and candidates, while also facilitating ongoing dialogue and collaboration on issues important to the community. It also allows the Chamber to demonstrate its commitment to civic engagement and community education,” said Robert Sinkule, Chandler Chamber 2024 board chair.

To be considered for an official endorsement from the Chandler Chamber, candidates must complete all three steps of the endorsement process. 

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.