Local Business Owners Weigh in on Key Election Issues

What are key issues for you this election?

Steve's Sweet Treats - "Taxes and healthcare I have not hired anyone because I don't know what to expect with Obama care if I have to provide insurance. I cannot hire at this point in my business. So I am faced with not growing and staying where I am or selling...two choices I do not want to face"

Lorna Ricotta - "Employment to help foster consumer confidence and financial security. 2. Financial lending practices and taxes."

Tim Holtsclaw - "My biggest concerns are much more on the local level. We very little say, it seems, in local politics and none in national. I am very concerned over this proposed parks bond. This will be voted on by all but paid for by property owners. I think there is waste to be trimmed before we go adding to our tax rate. I also believe there are greater needs."

Josh Collins - 1. making payroll if we have to start paying for everyone's health insurance
2. not becoming a socialist society were everyone hates going to work and being the same
3. being able to transfer my skills as an entrepreneur into government work once the complete takeover has occurred....

Lexi Hasapis - "Would-be customers need disposable income. Small biz needs just as many incentives as big biz."

Ryan David Jackson Photography - "Wage taxes, health care, and excess spending on programs not aiding the public for growth and sustainability."

April Fekete Morgan- "Healthcare is my main concern. Prior to being a self employed hairstylist, I managed a physician's office for many years. I understand all aspects of private, government and state insurances. I hope I will never see the day that the government can mandate what these physicians are allowed to do under their scope of practice. Once we see this, we will see many physicians close up or either not accept certain insurances. This will be terrible for the patients that need the care and will have several months wait to see a physician that accepts their insurance. But being self employed, I would be mortified if a bill passed that I would be given a fine for not carrying insurance on myself."

Suella Jordan - "Taxes and jobs of course. But I've worked hard to build my marketing business and to think I would foot the bill for others, not working by choice is unsettling. I grew up poor and I've worked hard to get where I am - that's what our country is about, not social programs."

Cate DeGrood - "When I think about ways to save $$, cut taxes and decrease our deficit with little effects on the middle class, I think of abolishing the US Dept of Education-rendering it useless, in my opinion-and spreading out the $68 Billion a year it costs to fund it. One thing Carter really screwed up on in 1980, in my opinion. There's no need for it. We had running schools without it-and not long ago. Let the states and counties handle education. It only ends a handful of federal jobs-and over paid ones, at that."