The small business community’s crucial role in shaping politics
Elections often are abrasive, divisive, and uncivil, but clearly we are in uncharted waters.
Hyperbole is off the charts and name-calling has been normalized. Politicians have social media buzzing with mean-spirited, over-the-top posts that erode confidence in our government.
While there has been a brief pause in the rhetoric on all sides after the attempted assassination of Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump, some politicians already have resumed their attacks. Before long we can expect to be inundated by negative advertisements tarnishing candidates and our political system.
The small business community can play a crucial role in ending this race to the bottom because we have the critical mass to drive issues and impact elections. We also understand that name-calling and constant negativity do not foster the success of businesses.
We understand that collaboration, communication, and problem solving are integral components of long-term success. Certainly, running a government and small business differ in significant ways. However, this is a crucial time to demand politicians prioritize good public policy over scoring cheap political points, collaborate and work to bring people together for the common good.
A robust policy-driven approach has resulted in wins that include passing legislation focused on lowering health insurance premiums for small businesses, significantly reducing LLC fees and guarding against unintended consequences when new rules are proposed that impact small businesses. We have scored many additional wins by focusing on what unites rather than divides us. By staying on point and message, we have built and participated in robust and diverse coalitions that may not agree on everything but are aligned on important issues. Remarkable things happen when stakeholders find common ground and work together.
We have a nonpartisan agenda that will make a real difference for small businesses, their employees, and local communities. This agenda includes supporting small businesses struggling to pay rising property taxes, leveling the playing field for small businesses vying for economic incentives, and curbing the excessive costs of certain drugs for increased access and reduced insurance premiums.
We are always looking for innovative ideas from small business owners of all political persuasions to compliment our legislative agenda. Engaged advocates who are not politically aligned are often surprised how much they agree on issues that will support the small business community and grow our economy.
Of course, it takes far less time to attack folks on social media than to formulate and advocate for policies that will make a meaningful impact. It’s also easier to run brutal, 30-second advertisements than work with a diverse group of stakeholders to find common ground. Doing the hard work, however, improves the lives of constituents. The nonsense only serves to get politicians attention. The small business community should be active, engaged and instead of insults, demand politicians offer solutions.
• Elliot Richardson is co-founder and president of the Small Business Advocacy Council.