This is our number one issue. If there is one issue that garners consensus it is jobs. Nearly everyone agrees – we need local jobs. There is great disparity in income between those of us that live and work in the county and those who commute to jobs out of state. Our neighbors in Loudon County enjoy the highest incomes in the nation. There, the average per household income is over $100,000 per year.
The major difference is taxes. There are several taxes on business at the state level that we have that they do not. The state government in Charleston recognizes this competitive disadvantage that we have brought on ourselves. There has been some progress made. If elected, I will work to accelerate that progress.
Another difference is red tape. It takes a lot longer for a small business to get through the process of registering with the state to be able to get up and running. This needs to change.
Our legal system scares businesses away as well.
In order to be able to live and work in Jefferson County, we need to have to have local jobs. That means that we need to continue the progress that has been made in Charleston. Local county and municipal government needs to assist as well. Businesses will not relocate or start up in Jefferson County unless they feel welcome. We deserve to have a vibrant and prosperous local economy.
Elliot Simon
Jobs
This is our number one issue. If there is one issue that garners consensus it is jobs. Nearly everyone agrees – we need local jobs. There is great disparity in income between those of us that live and work in the county and those who commute to jobs out of state. Our neighbors in Loudon County enjoy the highest incomes in the nation. There, the average per household income is over $100,000 per year.
The major difference is taxes. There are several taxes on business at the state level that we have that they do not. The state government in Charleston recognizes this competitive disadvantage that we have brought on ourselves. There has been some progress made. If elected, I will work to accelerate that progress.
Another difference is red tape. It takes a lot longer for a small business to get through the process of registering with the state to be able to get up and running. This needs to change.
Our legal system scares businesses away as well.
In order to be able to live and work in Jefferson County, we need to have to have local jobs. That means that we need to continue the progress that has been made in Charleston. Local county and municipal government needs to assist as well. Businesses will not relocate or start up in Jefferson County unless they feel welcome. We deserve to have a vibrant and prosperous local economy.