We just reported on API (a Goldwater Institute style group) starting up in Tucson. Now, a group called Tucson First has sprung up seeking to change the moribund culture of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, according to today’s guest on the Wake Up Tucson radio show. The chamber has been controlled for ever and a day by Jack Camper. The business climate has steadily declined during Camper’s lengthy tenure and he has become little more than another member of the Cloth.

It will be interesting to see how far the Tucson First group gets in their goal. Even if they started tomorrow with the full support of all chamber members, improving the business climate in Tucson is a tall order. Maybe combined with the two new members of the Tucson City Council, the time is right to make some improvements for struggling businesses in the area. At least it will be interesting to watch.