The Virginian-Pilot
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NORFOLK
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell reiterated his campaign pledges to ease regulation of businesses and keep government spending in check during a speech Tuesday before the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.
He voiced opposition to "government programs and new spending and bailouts." Instead, the key to prosperity, he said, is "the strength, health and vitality of the free enterprise system."
McDonnell suggested a one-stop location for businesses to acquire all required permits and a guarantee they could receive them within 48 hours. He also said he wanted to reduce taxes on new businesses and double the Governor's Opportunity Fund, used to help attract companies to Virginia, to $20 million a year.
When asked after the speech how he could do that while the state is anticipating a $3 billion shortfall over the next two years, McDonnell said, "I'm willing to make tough choices to provide the seed corn today to create the jobs of tomorrow."
During an interview, he also repeated his vow not to raise taxes
"There's no political appetite for it," he said, "and I don't think that's economically a good policy."
In his half-hour address, McDonnell also:
- Said his first executive order would be to create a task force to focus on job creation and economic development.
- Repeated his plan to raise money for transportation projects through the sale of state liquor stores, public-private partnerships and revenue from offshore oil drilling.
- Advocated caution in considering bids to privatize the Virginia Port Authority's terminals.
- Promoted the creation of charter schools, the transfer of money from administration to classrooms, and a renewed focus on math, science and engineering in schools. "These are the disciplines that will create well-paying jobs of the future," he said.
The speech marked a triumphant homecoming of sorts for McDonnell, a former Republican delegate from Virginia Beach. The setting was the 25th annual meeting of the Hampton Roads chamber, which had endorsed his candidacy, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
McDonnell concluded by inviting the 780 members of the audience to his inauguration Jan. 16.
Philip Walzer, (757) 222-3864, phil.walzer@pilotonline.com
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Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship in Norfolk
Don’t give up on Norfolk and assume it is “lost to the Dems”. I worked on your campaign here in Norfolk and met many “independents” who were disappointed with the Obama “Rorschach test change you can believe in”—only to get change they never imagined! I also admit to voting for McDonald for Treasurer because she seemed smart and appropriately experienced-qualified. I hope I wasn’t wrong about her! Critical to business development is Norfolk public TRANSPORTATION worth riding--and I don’t mean buses that take an hour to travel the 10 miles a light rail would take 15 minutes. If Hampton Roads is to prosper—attract business and the qualified Human Resources needed, Hampton Roads needs TRANSPORTATION that improves quality of life—not diminishes the quality of life here.
Business Climate: TRANSPORTATION & Human Resources
As a political-economic refugee from Illinois who moved to Norfolk in 2007, all I can say is don’t let Northern Virginia liberal democrats (Chicago--corruption) dominate the state or Virginia will go down the path of economic decline just like IL. Just watch what’s happening in DC now that the Chicago machine has moved in!
Instead, take advantage human resources attracted to the DC area (info tech), college educated Virginians (U VA, V Tech, ODU, James Madison and more) to staff business here in Norfolk and VB. Add to that, “retired” and former military who are a treasure trove— a bonanza for Human Resources. Already having health benefits and a pension, retired military are a bargain to hire. I’ve also observed prior military performing admirably in Hampton Roads private and public schools—which set’s our schools apart from most in the nation. Prior military bring maturity, a work ethic, often a “non-Ed school” undergraduate degree and a “pro American dream” attitude to the classroom, which acts as a bulwark against the “anti-American dream” indoctrination that permeates most University schools of education that train our nations teachers. Don’t
When Has the Opened for Business Sign Been Removed?
Although there are hundreds of empty houses and dozens of empty strip malls across the Commonwealth's landscape, when did we close our doors to community and environmentaly friendly businesses coming to this fine State of the Union? All required permits in 48 hours - guaranteed? Nice proposal but in reality, it just ain't gonna happen. Have sat through a hurry up permitting action for an out of state company entering the local market, and the results still are not compliant years after the fact. A more detailed and stringent permit would have been appropriate for the business involved. There are very few industries that are 'clean' from the beginning to opening. Land clearing and site construction generates great volumes of debris and pollutants controlled by permits and inspections. Industrial air, waste and water emissions must be fully permitted and considered dirty until proven to be clean and compliant-over time. If 2 day permits are realized, the elected rep only seeks his personal glory and not the glory of the Commonwealth as a whole.
ignorance elected him and apathy always wins em for the GOP
Tax and spend; Same old song, Same old class struggles fleecing the middle-class out of existence. Virginia, where big business can exploit... Make it easier on Business? More like, come big business, we have right to work laws (Its a form of slavery but more subtle) and we are a state that actually believes in turning a blind eye to the majority. Make your donations to the sons of the confederacy in my name; Bob McDonnell
Republicants Rule!
Bob is showing his anti-consumer credentials to his corporate investors. They will millions for the thousands spent on his race. With the rest of Virginia paying for his agenda.
Bob sure makes a great cheerleader. Hear he sings on command too.
Guess what?
Norfolk is infested with Democrats! They only hear and do the Democrat line! Tax and Spend to buy votes for more POWER! Don't even waste your time here. Everyone on the Norfolk City Council is a Democrat and the people wonder why they continue to do stupid things. Dua