Small businesses, large headaches
Are you brave enough to start a business in Maine? If you’re like many who struggle just to understand their federal 1040 forms, probably not. Unfortunately, there are many in our state who have dumped the idea of starting their own business mostly out of fear of government, not fear of the marketplace.
Health and building codes are lengthy, nevermind the tax preparation implications of starting a business. You need an accounting degree to safely navigate the regulatory minefield, or a costly accountant. Zoning restrictions and continuing code enforcement act as further hurdles along the way. And now in Windham we have design guidelines that govern a business’ exterior. Everything is regulated – all for the safety of the public, of course. But when does this consumer protection become too much of a headache for start-ups?
This week’s Page 1 story about two sets of local small business owners shows how hard it is to start a small business – and keep it going – here in Vacationland. They say a dispenser full of bureaucratic red tape make many small business dreamers think twice and then forget about starting a business of their own.
Who wants to deal with the hoops and who, especially, wants to deal with the burdening and burgeoning tax code? Not many. But, obviously, a few brave souls here in our region do, thankfully, and they are the ones who employ many of us.
We think of Bushmaster, whose former owner Dick Dyke wanted to build a prosperous business in his hometown. He overcame government’s burden and, for sure, all his employees are happy he did. For many manufacturers in the Lakes Region, it’s the same story. They love Maine and they wanted to develop a business where they either spent their youth or summers. They were willing to look past the bureaucracy because they had sentimental ties. We can’t expect that level of dedication from all employers.
It’s time our legislators and governor took action to make opening a business easier in Maine. Loosen up on regulations. Reduce the tax burden, reputed to be one of the highest in the land. Perhaps we can give more tax incentives to small business start-ups. Make the regulatory process shorter and less expensive. There are a host of measures that can be taken to ease the paper-pushing and tax burden that existing and prospective small businesses face.
That will allow more businesses to open up shop as people who were once scared of government regulators start their “dream businesses.” And, ultimately, that will provide the rest of us less-risky types the necessities we need to survive: jobs.
Why limit debate?
It is unfortunate that the Nash Road quarry neighbors weren’t given a chance to argue against a point they thought was important at the Windham Planning Board’s last meeting discussing the controversial quarry on Nash Road.
Debate was limited because board chairman James Lauzier said the neighbors’ input would add nothing that hasn’t already been said and would add a couple hours to the meeting.
“I really don’t want to sit here for two hours listening to everything again,” he said.
What’s two extra hours? It’s a small price to pay to let the neighbors talk about and question something that will impact them the rest of their lives.
Democracy is all about tolerating debate and dissension, not limiting it. No matter who you think is right in this quarry issue, as Americans we should have the courtesy and patience to hear each other out. The chair was wrong to limit discussion and has exacerbated the neighbors’ feeling of being left out of the oversight process.
It doesn’t matter if neighbors are right or wrong in their views of the quarry. Every person who wants to speak on this impacting decision should be given ample time to speak. Here’s hoping the Windham Town Council doesn’t make the same mistake.
Seriously, what’s a couple extra hours when we’re talking about a 30-year quarry operation.
-John Balentine, editor
Send questions/comments to the editors.
