Elliot Richardson
Elections are often abrasive, divisive and uncivil, but we are clearly in uncharted waters.
Hyperbole is out of control and name-calling has become normalized. Politicians have their social media accounts filled with petty, over-the-top posts that erode trust in our government.
While there has been a brief lull in rhetoric from all sides following the attempted assassination of Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, some politicians have already resumed their attacks. Before long, we can expect to be inundated with negative ads tarnishing the 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 push issues and influence elections. We also understand that name-calling and constant negativity do not foster business success.
We understand that collaboration, communication, and problem-solving are integral components of long-term success. To be sure, running a government and running a small business differ significantly. However, this is a crucial time to demand that politicians prioritize good public policy over scoring cheap political points, and collaborate and work to bring people together for the common good.
A strong policy-based approach has resulted in victories including passing legislation focused on lowering health insurance premiums for small businesses, significantly reducing LLC fees, and protecting against unintended consequences when new rules affecting small businesses are proposed. We have achieved many additional victories by focusing on what unites us rather than dividing us. By staying focused on the issue and the message, we have built and participated in strong, 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 competing for economic incentives, and curbing excessive costs of certain drugs to increase access and reduce insurance premiums.
We are always looking for innovative ideas from small business owners of all political persuasions to complement our legislative agenda. Committed advocates who are not politically aligned are often surprised at 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 people on social media than it does to formulate and advocate for policies that have a meaningful impact. It’s also easier to launch brutal 30-second ads than to work with a diverse group of stakeholders to find common ground. However, doing the hard work makes the lives of constituents better. Bullshit only serves to get politicians’ attention. The small business community should be active, engaged, and instead of name-calling, demanding that politicians offer solutions.
• Elliot Richardson is co-founder and president of the Small Business Advocacy Council.