Crushing Small Business

Many of you know I served four years on City Council, getting elected 5 years ago when I was 26 years old.

One of the things that I wanted most to improve was the ease with which a new business could launch and operate in the City.  Some strides were made that direction over the past ten years, primarily via improved service from City Hall.  But in my opinion, we didn’t make enough progress.  I wish I had done more to push those issues to the surface.  We took some steps backward too, making some things more difficult.  These things I generally opposed.

Businesses are not perfect, and the City needs to treat all of the community’s participants fairly.  But the City of Altoona, Logan Township and all municipalities ought to consider the impact when too much red tape is added.  This article really drives the point home. Beware: If you’re a small business owner and feel like staying in a good mood, you might not want to read it.

One other thought regarding local government’s role.  Some in the City are satisfied as long as the process of starting a business is less burdensome than our neighboring municipalities like Logan Township.  But I don’t think what neighboring municipalities do should be the “gold standard”.  Some businesses (mainly chains and businesses with money but whose profits don’t end up in Blair County) will come whether or not there’s a lot of red tape.  But some potential business owners, given enough difficulty, will simply never open.

So yes, we have issues to consider in the City of encroachment on others’ properties and enjoyment.  But we also need jobs — and we want to encourage the people who are willing to take a risk and invest in our own community.

Tagged as: Altoona PA, business, local business, local government, logan township