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RENO, Nev. (AP) — Reno City Councilman Paul McKenzie is calling on the city to drop its membership in the local chamber of commerce, saying it doesn't necessarily represent the interests of city taxpayers.
McKenzie, a labor union lobbyist, says he's upset the chamber opposes public employee union collective bargaining rights and that its lobbyist has been testifying in favor of bills at the Legislature that would curtail those rights.
He told the Reno Gazette-Journal (http://on.rgj.com/1FUuQjE ) that the position conflicts with the city council's stand on collective bargaining and chamber membership doesn't benefit the city.
Tray Abney of The Chamber, which represents Reno, Sparks and Northern Nevada, disagrees. He says the organization is actively involved in improving northern Nevada's economy, which benefits taxpayers and job seekers.
Earlier this year, the city council voted to remain neutral on collective bargaining to avoid antagonizing Republican sponsors of the legislation.
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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com
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