The Central Chamber Report: Barely Two Weeks

    The election is just a little over two weeks away.  As mentioned last week, it is vitally important for people to become informed as to what each candidate stands for, to know what policies they would desire to implement in our state and then be sure to vote.  A lot of advertisements will play over the next few weeks; the majority will focus on what is wrong with certain candidates.  The truthful straight forwardness of these ads might be brought into question but one thing that cannot be argued is the candidates’ voting records.  By researching the candidates’ platforms and their votes on various issues, you will be able to gain insight on how they might want to direct our state over the next four years.
    From the standpoint of the Central Chamber, we are concerned about policies that will help support continued economic growth, further workforce development, and promote business expansion and sustainability.  I will leave it up to other organizations to point out positions on various moral issues and to debate the issue of character past, present, or supposed future.  However, there are some points that are important for business owners and pro-business minded individuals to consider.  Here are a couple of points to ponder for this week.
    All you have to do is look over our shoulder at the last legislative session to realize that the state’s budget problems need to be addressed.  You can’t say budget without saying taxes.  Our state tax code needs to be closely examined so that we are assured of staying competitive in our ability to attract businesses and citizens to our state, thus creating economic growth.  A tax structure that is balanced, fair, and easily handled can go a long way to encouraging growth.  
    In my world, dollars determines budget and budget determines areas of permissible spending.  Sometimes priorities have to be set in order to effectively handle spending.  How we spend money in our state needs to be addressed. Wasteful spending needs to be identified and eliminated.  Priorities on our spending need to be looked at and implemented where possible.  Hand outs versus a hand up approach needs to be looked at to make sure we are creating jobs and providing a workforce to fill those jobs.  This is also tied closely to education and workforce development which we will address next week.  
    Which candidate, in the various offices, will help in the above endeavors?  That is where you, the reader, come in.  Do research, ask the important questions, and then determine to get out and vote.  I personally feel like this is a critical election in the future direction of our state.  The point could be made that every election is critical.  However, some definitively play more of an important role in setting the course of history than others.  You may not feel that way about this election but that is why I am challenging you to do some research as to where we are as a state and the direction candidates desire to take us.  We may not necessarily agree but at least we will be able to be united in the fact that we took part in the process!  The election is Barely Two Weeks away! Come November 21st, GO VOTE!