Countdown to the 2008 Election:
Business participation critical
to success in General Assembly

(Sept. 8, 2008) Accountability is a familiar concept in the business world, where goals, measures, processes and outcomes are a fact of life. It’s all about setting expectations and following through — with real consequences for success or failure.

This election year, accountability should be a big part of the equation — especially in the contests for the Connecticut General Assembly. With the state’s economy struggling, candidates should be addressing what they would do to encourage economic growth and help Connecticut businesses create more jobs.

It’s critically important for employers and their employees to speak up and be involved in state races, because laws passed by the General Assembly often affect businesses and the state’s economy more than those approved at the federal level.

When lawmakers go back to the State Capitol in January, much hang in the balance for employers. The legislature is certain to address many issues affecting the ability of businesses in Connecticut to operate effectively and to drive the state’s economy. How those issues are resolved depends a great deal on whom we elect in November.

Fortunately, there is much that business leaders can do to raise awareness with their employees and communities about state legislative races and help establish a sense of expectation — accountability — among the men and women who will represent us in Hartford.