During the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses across the state of Michigan have been ravaged by crippling restrictions, forced closures and limited capacities in their stores; but this isn’t the only pandemic plaguing our small businesses.
Over the years, politicians have always looked for ways to cripple small businesses and give more breaks to larger corporations. That small business down the street that pays for little Johnny’s soccer league or little Susie’s dance lessons is run by someone just like you and I, a middle-class everyday American living the dream—owning their own business, but in the blink of an eye that can all be taken away by higher taxes and more government regulation.
Small businesses are the backbone to every community, small and large. They sponsor the events that everyone loves, like fairs and festivals, they provide one-of-a-kind goods and services that the big box stores don’t or can’t provide. They’re the same as you and me: everyday, middle-class citizens who deserve to be lifted up, not knocked down.
The Committee To Elect Steven Thomas is holding a Small Business Forum on October 9. The event will take place at 244 E. Third Street in Imlay City at the new Third & Main Event Center from 5-10 p.m. Small business owners from across Lapeer County are invited to take part in an open discussion about their wants, needs and hopes for the future of their small business. As a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives, 82nd District (Lapeer County) I will be there speaking with you and hearing what you need to be successful.
I’ve never seen anyone hold an event like this. I want to hear from them, and not just listen and forget, but listen and act, when elected. I believe in our small businesses and believe that they are essential to this community. Any chance I get, I’m using local businesses like The Print Shop in Imlay City, for example, for campaign purposes. I like to stay local if I can.
The free event will include catered dinner from a local business and a cash bar. All small business owners are invited to attend and engage in the discussion. My slogan is ‘People Over Politics’ and for me, that’s not just a slogan. It’s the entire basis of this campaign. We need to ensure that the decisions that are being made in Lansing are for the people and put the political games aside.
—Steven Thomas,
82nd District House candidate
