I received an email from the Troy Chamber of Commerce that included a special appeal.

Here it is.

Seeking good leadership in Troy...

Electing good leadership is no longer as simple as finding qualified and willing individuals to take on the pursuit. It now requires a significant amount of money, and in-kind support. In 2007, Troy voters will elect four members to City Council, and a Mayor, for a total of five (of seven seats).  To run a competitive campaign, each viable candidate will be required to spend as much as $40,000. 

Elected officials make decisions that affect the business community, and it is important for the right people to be making these decisions. The Troy PAC would like to support quality candidates with the financial burden of running for office, and it needs your donations to do so. 

Please consider making a donation to the Troy PAC. Now is the time for us all to step forward and take part in helping support the best and most qualified candidates for the Troy community. This is a critical time in Troy and, we need the best leaders we can get. Join us in helping to find and support those leaders.

Can you refer an individual qualified to run for Troy City Council?  If so, please make a notation.

$40,000???  Why would anyone spend that much money to be the Mayor or a City Councilmember?  Why would the Chamber be encouraging individuals to raise this amount of money?

You can see the actual letter at http://hsend.net/a/10125062/f/2007-03/FUNDRAISING-Letter.pdf