Peter Franchot: Relationship with business community

Commentary | Peter Franchot

As Maryland begins to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, many parts of our economy still face the lingering effects of our nation's economic crisis. To get a first-hand account of fiscal conditions in our communities, I recently conducted an economic listening tour across Maryland.

This listening tour, which encompassed all 23 counties and Baltimore city, was a wonderful experience for me and, once again, illustrated the exceptional diversity of the Maryland economy. I had the opportunity to sit down with coal industry leaders in western Maryland, visit some of our nation's most innovative technology and life science companies in central Maryland, learn about the opportunities that exist for southern Maryland's defense industry and discuss the challenges facing the poultry industry on the Eastern Shore.

In doing so, I was reminded once again of the extent to which Maryland's various industries are interconnected. For example, the profitability of beer wholesalers such as G&G Distributors in Queen Anne's County is determined largely by the success of area restaurants, which in turn is determined largely by the ability of Shore Health Systems and other regional employers to offer well-paying jobs.

While I received so much sage advice for strengthening Maryland's economy over the course of my tour, the following suggestions were cited repeatedly and should serve as a road map for me and my colleagues in government:

First and foremost, no new taxes. Employers working overtime to turn profits, make payroll and reinvest in their businesses cannot afford another hit on their bottom lines. Nor, for that matter, can those consumers who have lost jobs, income and financial security in recent years.

Second, be more responsive to the businesses they serve. I heard too many complaints about the length of time that was required to process zoning and permit applications, respond to important legal and regulatory questions, and even return time-sensitive phone calls. We must remember that the business owner on the other end of the telephone is helping to pay for those public services we all benefit from.

Third, approach the business community with a true sense of partnership. Employers who work with state and local governments understand that legitimate differences of opinion are an inevitable part of the process, and they honestly do not expect to prevail on every issue. At times, however, they become dismissed as adversaries with a separate agenda or regarded simply as bottomless pits of tax revenue.

Finally, end the toxic partisanship. Our business leaders have no time or tolerance for a political process that, far too often, degenerates into an overheated battle between those on the far left who advocate indiscriminate government spending, and those on the far right who irresponsibly castigate government as the enemy.

I know that these continue to be difficult times for Marylanders from every corner of the state and from every walk of life. Ours is a resilient state, though, and I know that we will emerge from this economic crisis positioned for long-term economic prosperity.

Peter Franchot is comptroller for the state of Maryland.