November 9, 2007

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:
 

“One man, One vote,” states the old cliché we all learned in grammar school. Every American is assured this right come Election Day.

While elections occur every year in one capacity or another, this year was a bit unique: All 120 seats in the State Legislature were up for grabs. There were also a large number of county and municipal elections.

While politicos and analysts are still digesting the election results, one fact remains assured: Those voted into power this week will reign in Trenton and elsewhere for at least the next two years.

Let me put this in another perspective: For better or worse, YOU are STUCK with the results of this week’s election for AT LEAST two years.

Please forgive me if I come off a bit harsh; I’'m a little upset. My reaction is in response to an article that appeared in the Associated Press on Wednesday. Here is a direct quote:

Mike Agios was part of an overwhelming majority today -- those who didn't vote.
The auto mechanic spent the day wrestling with carburetors, fan belts and the like instead of heading to the polls.

"I'm disgusted with politicians, completely," he said, taking a break from working on one of a half-dozen cars awaiting servicing. "They're all crooks. They do nothing for the people.

"If you add up all the people who feel like me, that's a substantial number of votes," he added.

It was a common refrain in interviews across the state with people who aren't planning to vote. Some common excuses: I'm too busy; I don't care about politics; all politicians are corrupt; I don't want to go out in the rain.
This article was printed in dozens of newspapers around New Jersey and reposted on numerous websites.

If you have been attending our recent Member Dinner Meetings and have noticed the changes that our Association is putting in place, you would be upset too.

As we transform NJGCA, one fact has remained a constant: We need motivated Members.

While I do not know the gentleman who was quoted, I can tell you that the article paints a dismal picture of the industry; that our Members don’t care enough to show up on Election Day.

But public perception aside, NOT voting on Election Day is simply unacceptable.

Small-business owners have a stake in the outcome of any election. We struggle to survive in a harsh business climate. We employ countless residents. We deal with burdensome regulations. We are taxed excessively. We are, at times, fined for ridiculous reasons.

Ultimately, we put up with a lot to stay in business.

I don’t care what your political party affiliation is. I don’t care what personal ideology you hold. What is important is that you take part in the process.

Failing to do this means that you lose your ability to change the business climate in New Jersey and have a voice in policies yet to be made.

The bottom line: As a small business owner and a resident, you have a vested interest in the economic health of New Jersey and its residents. Small-businesses can be an instrument of tremendous change. DO NOT forgo your rights because you are disenchanted with the current system. Instead, you should be among the most vocal in seeing things changed for the better: Exercise your rights and hold those elected officials impacting your business accountable.

Regards,
Sal Risalvato,
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

ACTION NEEDED ON RIGHT TO REPAIR

  • Action needed to get Right to Repair passed in NJ before lame-duck session ends.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

11/7/2007:
Voter Indifference: Many do not show up on Election Day.
Despite acknowledging many persistent problems in New Jersey, many voters did not vote in Tuesday’s election due to indifference and “disappointment in the lack of progress no matter who wins”

11/6/2007:
Bottom of the barrel: NJ listed near-last in small businesses survival
For the second year in a row, the non-profit Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council has listed New Jersey 50th in its recent small business survival index. Only Washington, D.C. was listed worse than the Garden State.

11/6/2007:
Traffic Report: Telephone based “511” system delivers traffic report to motorists
The NJ Department of Transportation has been rolling out a new public traffic reporting system. The “511” traffic reporting program will be fully operational next spring.

9/4/2007:
Congress urges IRS to collect what’s due from sole-proprietors
Congress has ordered the IRS to investigate the tax-compliance of small-businesses and sole-proprietors as it attempts to close the “tax gap” – the amount that is “owed” to the US government and what is actually paid. How may this affect your small-business?

ACTION NEEDED ON RIGHT TO REPAIR

Election Day has come and gone. A new Legislature is coming in mid-January.

Many of the Legislators who have supported Right to Repair may soon be leaving the State House for good.

That means action is needed now to push Right to Repair through the Legislature during the “lame-duck” session. Please call your local Assemblymen, Assemblywomen and State Senators and ask them to support S2553/A931, "The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act."

IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS YOU’VE EXPERIENCED REPAIRING VEHICLES AND HAD TO SEND BACK TO DEALERS, YOU MUST CONTACT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ASSISTANT CHRIS STARK WITH DETAILS.

When we go to Trenton to advocate on your behalf to push the Right to Repair bill, we need documented examples to make our case. That means we need to know the year, make, model, and the specifics of why these vehicles had to go back to dealers. We can only do this with your help!! Contact Chris Stark with the relevant info at x208.