Exempt new business

About seven years ago, a Newman Lake man I know dreamed of starting a business. This dream led to the purchase of an undeveloped piece of property on the north side of Trent Avenue near the Sullivan Road overpass.

The young man, almost single-handedly, erected a building, paid electrical and plumbing contractors, paved the property and included quality landscaping. After obtaining requisite licenses, paying all state and federal taxes and fees, he now has a successful, 6-year-old business.

Early this spring, he began construction, on this same business lot, of a large, wood frame, two-story expansion to his business. The business knowledge he learned over these six successful years has given him the wisdom and confidence to horizontally expand his business while minimizing his business risk. He has provided employment for a significant number of part-time employees and will provide more jobs as his dream progresses.

My recommendation is that he and others like him be exempted from government assessments/ fees involving cash payments. Vital government services would continue to be available but mandatory cash mandates would be waived for the first few years of a businesses life. Small business owners will realize a lower risk of failure and the government will reap the benefit of more successful small businesses in the long run. The result will be more employment.

Gordon Spunich

Spokane Valley