My wife and I recently undertook a major expansion of our small business despite the slow economic recovery. We discussed many issues in the planning process that led to our decision, including financing, marketing, location, facility design and hiring and training new employees.

But one thing that played absolutely no role in our decision to expand: current or anticipated federal tax rates. This runs counter to the claim made by certain Washington politicians that “job creators” like me will be deterred from employing more workers if rates go up slightly on the nation’s wealthiest taxpayers.

The claim is false for at least two reasons.

First, for 97 percent of us small-business owners, our personal net earnings (that’s profits, not revenues) aren’t high enough to be affected by the proposed higher taxes, which would only apply to income above $250,000.

But more than that, even among the wealthiest 3 percent (to be clear, there are a lot of K Street lawyers and Wall Street money managers in that group), business decisions like hiring are driven not by taxes, but by consumer demand. If enough people want to buy your goods or services, you’ll take on more workers. If they don’t, you won’t. It’s as simple as that. Taxes have nothing to do with it.

Our two senators, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, should keep this simple truth in mind when Congress debates taxes and spending at the end of the year.

Allowing rates to go up a little on our most fortunate neighbors will bring in hundreds of billions of dollars that could be used to pay down our dangerous debt level and fortify important programs like Medicare, education and Medicaid. That will be serving the interests of the middle class, our customers, and that’s good for business.

Jason Wentworth

Portland

 

There’s a lot of talk these days about how federal tax and spending policy affects small business.

How you define “small business” plays a big part in what side you take in the debate. If you think of Wall Street hedge funds and Washington law firms when you think “small business,” then you may well be in favor of yet more tax cuts for the wealthy.

But if your idea of a small business is one like mine — a quick-service burrito restaurant — then you should support budget policies that take a balanced approach to deficit reduction and public investment, one that asks for a little greater contribution to the common good by our most fortunate households and corporations.

I know as a small-business owner that I only prosper when my customers do, and that they will benefit from a reduction in our national debt and strengthened investments in education, health care and transportation.

Here in Gray, the lingering effects of the Great Recession are still readily apparent — as are the impacts of austerity budgets imposed by the state and federal governments. Many of my neighbors are just scraping by, while public services from roads to schools are suffering.

I sincerely hope Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins act on the true needs of the middle class and of real small businesses in the big budget debate coming up after the elections.

As just one example, they should work to extend tax cuts for the 98 percent of American households — and 97 percent of small businesses — that bring in less than $250,000 a year, while restoring more equitable rates on incomes above that level.

All Maine voters should contact them and urge them to take this important stand, for the sake of our communities and the small businesses that serve them.

Bruce Luttrell

Gray

 

Parent lauds King’s efforts to improve math program

 

I was surprised to read about the Farber family’s disappointing math experience at King Middle School and wanted to write in support of that school’s recent efforts to improve its math program (“Portland schools face new test,” Oct. 1).

Our daughter, also an honor student, was in eighth grade at King last year when the school introduced a new math curriculum. It was a vast improvement over the two previous years, and her assessment scores improved.

Portland public schools have taken a beating in recent years, and current budget issues will continue to challenge students, teachers and administrators to “address pockets of unevenness.” We are looking forward to seeing how the schools fare under Superintendent Manny Caulk’s leadership.

Kathryn Buxton

Portland

 

Old idea could ease impact of drought on food costs

 

Well, here we go again. Another group cashing in on the “self-fulfilling prophecy theory.” The prediction that bacon and other pork products will double next year due to the drought causing a low crop yield certainly will come true!

Corn is an expensive feed grain. This is especially true because corn is used for everything from human food to ethanol (car food).

Maybe it is time to to use an old, renewable resource to feed our pigs. The older generation may recall the phrase “slop the hogs.” This phrase meant it was time to feed the hogs. “Slop” is a term used to refer to “food scraps.”

I remember as a kid taking out the food scraps and putting them in a pail after each meal. Then, once a week, a local farmer would come around to pick up the food scraps we’d put at the curb. He’d take them to his farm to feed his pigs.

His only expense was his time and the price of gasoline. Think of all the food scraps thrown out every day by families, restaurants, supermarkets, etc.!

On the other hand, doubling the price of bacon may not be a bad idea after all. Bacon is one of those foods that tastes so good but is so bad for you.

Steve Pomelow

Gorham

 

Last week’s debate shows president’s lack of ability

 

In the Oct. 3 debate, President Obama came off looking like a bewildered schoolboy being chastised by the teacher for his poor performance and not doing his homework. Obama got his head handed to him on a platter.

Mitt Romney repeatedly reminded the president that he, the president, had mischaracterized Romney’s position and statements on a variety of economic issues.

The Portland Press Herald and the liberal media have not held Obama accountable for his failed policies and a miserable economy.

Romney looked and acted presidential. Obama revealed his true colors: shallow and in over his head.

Walter J. Eno

Scarborough