JOBS

I'm going to avoid the cliche of "jobs! Jobs! JOBS!" that is thrown around every campaign season. Jobs are a natural byproduct when people get together to exchange goods and services in a free market. If our community has a healthy economy, jobs will follow.

"Government does not create jobs; the entrepreneurs and businesspeople of our community create jobs."

I view government as a service provider. As with all service providers I deal with, I want the relationship to be smooth and uncomplicated. Likewise, the service provider should strive to be my easiest and most enjoyable partner. Businesses are focused on making a product or providing a service. A business owner should be utilizing their resources and bandwidth to improve their product or service, not expending additional resources to understand and comply with all the details of convoluted programs.

Starting up or expanding a business is stressful enough; so much time, money and energy is used in finding a facility, hiring labor, buying raw materials, and complying with assorted federal and state regulations. Navigating government is not a value added activity.

Additionally, when a business leaves our city, we should do a post mortem; a "lessons learned" from their departure. If it was a result of city policies, then we should update them quickly to prevent further departures. If county policies triggered the departure, then we need to march over to the county building and express our concerns. If state policies are to blame, then let us summon our state representation and demand positive change.

If there are modest city resources are needed, or city policies that are hindering economic growth, then I will do my best to "clear the road." If you want a million dollar subsidy from the city, it probably won't happen. If you are looking for infrastructure improved, or a city statute updated, then we can discuss it. Please note: if a law is changed or a program implemented, it will be for the benefit of all business in Fairfield, not just the well connected.

"One should not have to continuously negotiate with politicians and bureaucrats to get needed policy change."

When a list of criteria is established that limits the number of participants, there is motivation to update or alter the criteria to allow or prohibit certain participants from realizing benefits of that program. For most municipalities, these programs require city council approval. Knowing that it takes just three people to determine whether one qualifies for preferential treatment stokes the fires of politicking, lobbying and influence peddling.

We are after solutions to economic growth, so let us try this one: Remove as many fees, permits, charges, taxes and other hurdles as possible that are not value-added. Any city fees and regulations are piled on top of many existing county and state fees and regulations. Allow the people to focus as much of their resources and energy on efficiently providing goods and services to the community.

Businesses (and people) fear one thing above all: uncertainty. Our government should strive to maintain a consistent and reliable playing field for all participants. To do otherwise frustrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy.