I love conspiracies as much as the next guy so I understand your concern with the chamber's involvement.
That being said - the home rule charter FINALLY gives the citizens the power to modify and force issues on the ballot where the PEOPLE can make the call. Additionally - unlike now - home rule can allows the PEOPLE to alter their government. If we don't like what we get - just change it!
Now the people have to rely on the Pete Shaub's (sic) to make a change and we saw how well that worked!