The Never-Ending Cycle of Elections and its Impact on YOUR Business
by Nancy Sims
February 09, 2010
In 2009, the City of Houston chose new leaders for a new decade. Annise Parker was elected Mayor of Houston and Ronald Green was elected City Controller. Five new City Council Members were chosen while nine incumbents returned to serve another term. The run-off election date was December 12.
Following rapidly on the heels of this election, are the March primary elections. Republicans and Democrats across Texas will choose their nominees for Governor and other offices. The Republican primary contest for Governor is particularly heated with incumbent Governor Rick Perry facing Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Debra Medina is a third candidate in the race and has gained momentum in the polls. It is remotely possible that she will collect enough support and voters to force the top two candidates into a run-off.
The Democratic primary has former Houston Mayor Bill White facing Houston businessman Farouk Shami. White is expected to garner a victory.
The party primary elections are scheduled for March 2. If a run-off is required, it will be in early April. The general election will be in November and will most assuredly offer a heated battle for Governor as well as many other state offices.
Elections are tough on business. Each candidate for public office lays out their plans for better ways to work with the “business community”. In tough economic times, this can mean so much or so little. It can also mean that you need to hang on to your pocket book.
Government revenues are down across the board. Elected leaders will be looking at ways to increase fees, add licensing requirements and other innovative approaches that generate revenue without raising taxes.
It can also be good for business. If you are in the business of installing cameras, you will like the fact that a city might expand its red light camera program. If you are in construction, you will appreciate plans for road expansion.
No matter your business – you must get involved in politics to protect your best interests.
