What makes a neighborhood, a community, a city, and a state vibrant, alive, and a great place to live? What gives a place that special flavor, what makes it unique and a good place to work and raise a family? In large part, local small businesses give a community its character, its sense of growth, and its optimism.

This is especially true in Montana. The most recent data shows just how important small business is to Montana families. Here, small business continues to create new jobs. According to the recently released Small Business Profile for the States and Territories by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses added 8,900 net new jobs in 2004, the latest period studied.

But as they say in the infomercials, "that's not all!" The updated profile also shows that in 2006, Montana had an estimated 115,700 small businesses, of which 35,800 were employer firms. Those small businesses employed 71.4 percent of the state's non-farm private workforce (in 2004).

Further, diversity of business ownership is bringing more of the state's minorities and women into the economic mainstream. The data documents that Montana has 500 Asian-owned firms, 200 Black-owned firms, 1,000 Hispanic-owned firms, 2,000 Native American-owned firms, and 40 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-owned firms. Moreover, women-owned firms total 24,500 and generate $2.1 billion in revenue (all in 2002, the latest year available).

The 4,727 new firms with employees in 2006 showed just how optimistic Montana's entrepreneurs are about the future. More importantly, those firms are driving the economy. Office of Advocacy research has shown that new business creation is key to the state's ability to increase gross state product, state personal income, and total state employment.

Unfortunately, because the businesses are small and individually don't appear to be important, policy makers tend to overlook them when discussing and implementing regulatory, tax, and economic proposals. Because they are overlooked, some do not understand how their programs, rules, and regulations can harm small business.

The result is that small business faces an uneven playing field. According to Advocacy research, just complying with federal regulations costs the nation's smallest firms $7,647 per employee each year. That is 45 percent more than the per-employee costs of their larger counterparts.

As the years have gone by, the total annual federal regulatory burden on the economy has grown to enormous proportions. Complying with all federal regulations now costs our economy $1.1 trillion per year -- that's more per household than the cost of healthcare.

It's time to help lighten that load by streamlining and updating outdated and ineffective regulations.

The Office of Advocacy's new Regulatory Review and Reform initiative (r3) does just that. The initiative encourages small business stakeholders to identify current rules that are outdated or ineffective and recommend targeted reforms.

The result will be an annual "Top 10" list of current regulations that are ripe for reform. Advocacy will work with the relevant federal agencies to make sure they understand the impact of those current regulations on small business. In addition, we will provide them with training in how to review and reform outdated and ineffective rules.

We are calling for nominations of federal rules and regulations in need of review and reform, and we need your help to make r3 a success. Nominations are due by December 31, 2007. You can make them by visiting the r3 website at www.sba.gov/advo/r3, sending an email to advocacy@sba.gov, or calling Keith Holman at (202) 205-6936.

Small business is what makes neighborhoods, communities, and states strong. Small business creates jobs, develops innovative products and services, and brings diversity to our economy. By leveling the playing field and supporting small business with regulatory relief through the r3 initiative, we can keep our communities a great place to live for our children and grandchildren.

Letters to the Editor

Support for streamside setbacks

Dear Editor,

A river runs through: The Bitterroot River runs north through the beautiful Bitterroot Valley and joins with the Clark Fork to head west. This river, fourth most heavily fished in the state, is a valuable resource, not only for fishermen, but for all Bitterrooters, developers, landowners, etc. Their property values are protected as long as the river remains clean and beautiful.

Chuck Stranahan, owner of a fly-fishing shop in Hamilton, has done a great service to those wishing to keep our river as a benefit to all. He has outlined a plan for streamside setbacks, practical and simple. It would take the stream setback committeeís recommendations, modify them to suit local needs, and make them consistent with other Montana rivers.

Data on such rivers as the Big Hole and Madison is readily available. Including variance language in the setback plan would protect legitimate property rights. Public hearings for input from all quarters would open the way for the commissioners to pass a resolution, protecting this beautiful river and its tributaries for all to enjoy.

Let's encourage our commissioners to enact sensible, reasonable streamside setbacks which will protect and preserve this jewel of the Bitterroot Valley.

John Carbin
Stevensville

Re: Grass

Dear Editor,

The Regents have approved a plan to ultimately convert the University golf course and areas near it to new buildings over the next 50 years. It seems that President Dennison and the Board of Regents are determined to eradicate all grass at the University of Montana. I remember when grass was much more common at the University and the campus was not so crowded; I moved into student housing the Fall quarter of 1946. I was 2 years old and my father had just returned from World War II. I returned to the University several times, my father crammed 4 years of college into 14 years, and it took me 7 years to graduate. I also went to law school in Missoula.

Vice President Rosie Keller said the expansion of the campus was necessary to accomplish the "mission of the university." I do not see it that way; the mission of the University of Montana is not to become the size of Ohio State, to be a crowded, impersonal, educational factory. I want a small, friendly, university devoted primarily to educating the citizens of this state; to me that is the University's mission. The number of students in Montana's K-12 system has been in decline for years, and there is no reason to think that situation will dramatically change in the immediate future.

I do not golf, but I do not want to spend any more money expanding the University simply to grow the academic bureaucracy and provide an education for out-of-state students. I supported Dean Ed Eck in expanding the law school, and Dean Jerry Brown in building a new journalism building. However, I think that I am finished supporting more building. The University is large enough now and cannot even maintain the buildings it has built. Save the grass.

Jim Shockley
Senate District 4

Big city ways not wanted here

Dear Editor,

Enough is enough! Is it time for some good old fashioned "Western Justice"?

Once again we are feeling the pains of growth in the form of completely stupid acts of vandalism. On Nov 27th, I came to work to be welcomed by freshly painted disgusting graffiti in the Creamery Park on the wall of my office (Potton Insurance Agency), the wall of the Olde Coffee Mill and the Town of Stevensville's historic Creamery Churn. (I hear the Western States office also got hit).

This Creamery Churn is the historic symbol of our community unity, our resolve to overcome overwhelming challenges, and a reminder of our town's roots, heritage and history. Nothing makes my blood boil more than to see those things we value most desecrated by a couple of bored punk brat kids (?) who either refuse to leave their big city antics behind or is it possibly the act of those who want to act "big city" and don't have the means to get there.

If it is Big City you want, I am sure we can arrange transportation to the bus station and good riddance if this is all you offer to our town. (And NO, I am not buying you a bus ticket but make sure it is a "one way").

WE (the citizens of Stevensville) are neither amused nor impressed. Graffiti is like an ugly cancer, as once it starts it tends to spread like wildfire. The perpetrators must be caught and stopped. In fact, I think it would be the act of only a complete and total moron to try such a stunt in a small town. Not much goes missed for a very long in small towns, as someone will have seen something or someone will eventually talk and you will be caught. You will be publicly embarrassed, repeatedly criticized by your would be friends, family and neighbors and forced to pay, and pay, and then pay some more. Small communities also tend to have long memories, so you can forget about hoping to have any future around here!

Is it time that we, the businesses and citizens of Stevensville, consider the placement of surveillance cameras up and down Main Street to deter such actions? (Hey, it works very well for Darby).

If you feel the need to paint something, I am sure the Civic Club, Main Street Association, schools, local churches or many other non profits may have something that needs painted or maintenance. Call on one or two... Although I would be prone to believe that they will dictate the time, color, and design.

Why can't you find a way to be constructive instead of destructive?

If anyone has any information regarding these or any other acts of vandalism, please contact Officer James Marble at 777-3011 or call me personally at 777-3626.

I beg the rest of the valley's citizens to be more vigillant while travelling through town after dark. Do we always know where our kids are? To the rest of kids of Stevensville, please remember that it only takes the act(s) of one or two to ruin the freedoms, liberties and activities available for all if not immediately curtailed. Please come forth immediately to avoid this!

Brian Potton
Stevensville

Is it Christmas or not?

Dear Editor,

Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving is the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. TV news showed people all over the country waiting in lines to be first to get into stores. There were scenes of the doors opening, and hordes of people trampling each other in a frantic race to buy Christmas presents for family and friends.

I was in K Mart Friday afternoon. The store was very crowded. I pushed my cart up one aisle and down another looking at all of the things displayed for sale. I noticed that I did not see a single sign wishing Christmas shoppers a Merry Christmas. When I realized that, I set out to see if I could find a Christmas greeting displayed anywhere in the store. I couldn't.

I remembered that last year there was tremendous controversy across the nation. Some of the major chain stores had decided to delete any reference to Christmas from their Christmas decorations. Macys was one of them. So was K Mart, and there were others. Their stated reason was that they did not want to offend customers.

There is evidence that some people in this country are doing everything in their power to remove Christianity from our society. No doubt they are offended by references to Christmas at any place at any time. They complain about Nativity scenes in schools and public squares. Their mantra is "separation of church and state," and they deliberately distort the meaning of that term.

The Founding Fathers meant that there was to be no state religion in America. They did not mean that there should no reference to Christianity or any other religion in our society. The notion that Merry Christmas would offend anyone would have been as ludicrous to them as it is to me.

Secularists claim that Christians want to force their religion on everyone, which is a ridiculous accusation. Evangelicals are their favorite targets, and they won't even defend themselves. Attack them and they pray for you. (I suggest to Christians that when anyone accuses you of trying to force Christianity on them, just ask them for an example of this. I know one very nice lady who said that to me, and when I asked for an example she became obviously upset, and then replied "The Crusades". I felt sorry for her).

Polls indicate that 85% of Americans identify themselves as Christians, and 15% do not consider themselves Christian. I have seen no information on how many of them care one way or the other about any religion, or are offended because Christmas is an American holiday. The United States Government recognizes Christmas as a national holiday.

Corporations that operate these chain stores are invested in advancing the secularist agenda. In a few cases Christian organizations gathered thousands of signatures complaining about removing any reference to Christmas from their stores. The stores backed down. There were convoluted and dishonest statements issued that claimed that the policies were misunderstood and mistaken. They promised not to do it again. They lied.

Banning Christmas from stores doesn't seem to make economic sense. Why would any business risk offending 85% of its customers to avoid offending less than 15% of them? I think there are several reasons. The stores may have decided that the risk is not as great as the numbers would suggest. Christians are astonishingly passive. They are the only group in America that can be publically insulted and ridiculed. Christians accept that treatment. You can bet that Hate Crimes legislation will never cover Christians.

I don't care whether anyone is offended by seeing a sign wishing people a Merry Christmas. Why should I? Secularist activists, frequently represented by the ACLU, don't care about offending Christians. I should mention that I am a Christian, but not a passive Christian. I suspect that the overwhelming majority of people who shop in these chain stores are Christians. They may not be focused on the fact that they are spending their money with companies that want to remove any reference to their religion, and are being insulted.

I mentioned the absence of Merry Christmas to Ken, the manager. He pointed out that decorations are sent to the stores by corporate headquarters. I am not criticizing the manager or staff at Hamilton's K Mart. They don't make policy. Ken gave me the email address for headquarters, www.kmart.com. There is a link there for comments. I encourage Christians to contact K Mart headquarters. All K Mart needs is a reminder that Christians do not appreciate these attacks on a nationally declared religious holiday. Ask K Mart a question. If there is no Christmas, why should we all be Christmas shopping? After all, there are local businesses that do acknowledge Christmas.

Gene Williams
Hamilton

Commissioners doing good job

Dear Editor,

After years of operating in "crisis mode," criticizing county government, and county commissioners in particular, can become a habit. However, and despite what you may have heard recently from at least one individual intent on "commissioner bashing," there is much for pro-planning citizens to celebrate this holiday season. The June election of three pro-planning commissioners is having a tremendous and very positive effect on our valley. In the 5-1/2 short months since their election, our three new commissioners have made the following important decisions, or soon will. As you read this list, ask yourself if any of it would have happened without their dedication, commitment, and hard work.

Interim Zoning (one house/two acres): On a 4-0 vote the commissioners (Chilcott was absent) extended this voter-approved initiative until November 2008 (the legal maximum), giving time for the county to implement baseline countywide zoning.

Impact Fees: The creation of a balanced Impact Fee Advisory Committee. Montana's Impact Fee Law is one of, if not the most restrictive impact fee laws in the United States. Forced to work within the restrictions of this state law, the committee and our commissioners are committed to ensuring that developers pay their fair share of infrastructure costs by implementing a county-wide impact fee ordinance. When that becomes effective, it will be the first such ordinance in the state. Our new commissioners boldly and diligently forge ahead.

Infrastructure Costs: Our new commissioners discovered that the county can require that developers pay mitigation and exaction fees. Implementation of these fees has provided tens of thousands of dollars to the county for infrastructure, public safety, and schools.

Streamside Setbacks: The previous commission attempted to slow this process by creating a huge and potentially cumbersome committee. However, with encouragement and support from our new commissioners, the committee has produced a draft of regulations in record time. The committee's quick work created a panic in the anti-regulation crowd and they rallied their forces. The commissioners wisely postponed further meetings on the regulations while the public is informed about the intent and scope of the regulation. This effectively deflated the momentum of the anti-regulation crowd.

Department Management: Long overdue oversight of the county's departments is occurring. In-depth examination by Commissioner Driscoll of the road department's budget for mining gravel in the Lost Horse Quarry revealed that it would cost the county a minimum of one million dollars more to mine chip seal gravel up Lost Horse than to buy it commercially. It's hard to argue against a fiscally responsible decision.

County Wide Zoning: Finally, and true cause for celebration, the commissioners made county wide zoning the priority of the planning department. An extra $150,000.00, obtained through grants and restructuring the budget, helps move the planning effort forward more effectively and efficiently. The County Planning Committees (CPCs) are up and running (it's not too late for you to be involved, contact the County Planning Department). Completing county wide zoning before Interim Zoning expires will take all of our effort. Armchair quarterbacking is not constructive or nearly as much fun as being a player.

All of this achieved in 5-1/2 months! We cannot allow impatience, ignorance, and naivety to mislead us. If you're disappointed in the progress made, if you believed all subdivisions would stop or be denied, remember: our commissioners work under state and federal laws that they swore an oath to uphold. If we don't like those laws (and many of them are counter-productive to good planning), it is incumbent upon us to elect people at the state and federal level who will change the laws. Until we all make those changes happen, blaming the county commissioners who must abide by current law is misdirected energy.

Our new commissioners face many challenges and are working hard to meet those challenges. They can't do this on their own - they need our continued support. A pat on the back for the work done so far would really help them out a lot. It's difficult to continuously "fight the good fight" without a show of appreciation from the people they are fighting for. Give Kathleen Driscoll, Jim Rokosch and Carlotta Grandstaff a call or an email and say, "We know it isn't easy and thanks for your work."

If you have any questions or need any information, please don't hesitate to contact the Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee.

John Meakin, Chair, Executive Committee
Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee

Invitation to Lone Rock Christmas Pageant

Dear Editor,

What are the 12 days of Christmas? Of course they are the Christmas season, the 12 days leading up to Christmas, and this year the Christmas season will kick off on the twelfth day before Christmas with the Lone Rock annual Christmas Pageant on Friday, December 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Lone Rock Bible Church. That's right; you read it right. The long held tradition of holding the Christmas Pageant in the tiny Lone Rock School gym has changed location to the new spacious church setting so the whole audience can come at once, sit in comfort, and enjoy the entertainment with improved acoustics and lighting.

And what will the entertainment be? It will be a whole menagerie of skits, songs, readings, instrumentals and whatever other collective talents kids, adults, and groups come up with. For example, the group of bus drivers have a surprise musical presentation, but they are keeping it under wraps. You can be a part of it too as an entertainer or an appreciative audience member and join the Girl Scouts, 4H-ers, and other neighbors get into the holiday spirit.

Save that 12th day before Christmas, Friday, December 14th to come and watch the show of shows, the Lone Rock Community Christmas Pageant, and bring joy to your world!

If you would like to sign up a group, please call Heather Hudson or one of us at 777-3314. Hope to see you in or at the show..

Mark Anderson, Superintendent
David Cluff, Principal
Lone Rock School
Stevensville

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