Business community must lead for R.I. to prosper in years ahead

To the Editor:
Why has the business community dropped out of the political process? If not from the business community, where do we find candidates for public office who have the knowledge and expertise in business, economics, taxation, education and other important issues?
Rhode Island Statewide Coalition (RISC) and other good-government advocacy organizations can work to recruit and support good candidates, but not if we can’t find them. For too long, Rhode Island business has been silent. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of business and citizen inaction are the legislators who have created an anti-business climate that is destroying this state, while serving the concerns of the welfare industry and other anti-business special interests. The tragedy is that our business leaders know it, but are apparently unwilling to accept the responsibility to lead this state to higher ground.
The 2009 legislative session exemplifies what is wrong in Rhode Island:
&#8226 A budget balanced by using stimulus funds, while totally ignoring systemic flaws in the budgeting process.
&#8226 A refusal to consider lowering taxes to attract and retain business.
&#8226 No significant action to ease the pressures on business.
As we review the 2009 legislative session, the result remains the same: a few right moves, a majority of “let’s fix it next year” decisions, several disastrous new laws that defy logic and nothing done to attract business to stay or enter the state. For business and all Rhode Islanders, the session is just another mile marker on the road to oblivion. How much more proof is needed that we need to clean house on Smith Hill?
RISC and other advocacy groups have been struggling to find and support outstanding candidates for public office. In 2006, 49 percent of the General Assembly seats were uncontested. In 2008 that number, although slightly smaller, was still a disgrace for a “representative democracy.” How long can any state continue to govern effectively this way?
Something has been very wrong in Rhode Island for far too long. There was a time when business leaders were proud to be in the forefront of every major undertaking in this great country. We must have your help if your business, your employees, family, friends and all who call this state their home are to prosper. It’s time to stand up and be counted. Work with us and we will work for you.
The 2010 election is not far away; it’s time to prepare. Join us and we can do great things for Rhode Island businesses and citizens. Visit our Web site at www.statewidecoalition.com or call us at (401) 213-6316. Let’s start to identify good, ethical, experienced candidates now.
Harry L. Staley, chairman
Rhode Island Statewide Coalition (RISC)