Q: “When elected president, which candidate’s policies do you believe will benefit small businesses more?”
“For this presidential election I went back to the basics starting with the definition of politics. It comes from the Greek word poly, meaning many [citizens], and ticks, which means blood-sucking insects. Joking aside, this presidential election season I’ve become increasingly cynical and am currently undecided. If either candidate is elected, I don’t think it will make a huge impact on my market or my business. That said, if Hillary is elected I think we’ll get more of the same that we’ve seen with the current administration. For the last number of years I’d characterize the economic climate here as not robust, the same could be said for sales in our store. I understand why Trump is interesting to business owners as he comes from a business background. I also understand why people would think that’s a big benefit to supporting him. But historically Trump has differed with Republicans on many key issues, which is concerning and leaves many to wonder what his actual economic policies might be. To date, he hasn’t clearly outlined them. For now, I’ll continue to follow the news carefully to make an informed decision, but for now I am undecided.”
Mark Clodius, co-owner
Clodius & Co. Jewelers
Rockford, IL
“Donald Trump. He wasn’t my first choice of the Republicans, but he is the party’s presidential nominee. I do think he has the ability to create more jobs, allowing people to make better incomes and have more disposable income. Some of his many goals are to create better working conditions and improve business ethics while loosening the regulations that make doing business for small business owners difficult. For me, I think it’s important that any presidential candidate serve in the military and have some sort of private sector and business background. Career politicians don’t really know what it’s like to run a business, yet they pass laws that impact many business owners’ ability to run their companies. Getting small business loans, for example, is more difficult than ever, making it hard to keep up inventory. And, I don’t think the country has fully recovered from the housing market and financial sector crash that happened in 2008. Our city – and many others across the country – haven’t fully recovered. Finally, Obamacare has forced people to spend more money on health care, taking away much of their disposable income, which has hurt our industry.”
Julie Brucher Lyon, owner
Jewels By Jules Boutique
Montgomery, OH
“It’s a very odd and interesting presidential election for most people given the options. There are Democrats and Republicans that genuinely try to do good, but the system has become terribly corrupt. I’m not happy about either choice, but given the options, I will probably vote for Donald Trump, but that could change at any moment. As a small business owner, voting for a businessman indicates to me that he better understands what it means to make and sustain a business. As much I would like to see a woman be president, I just don’t think it should be this woman, mainly because of the trust issue. The Supreme Court picks concern me very much. It’s easier to put up with four years of Trump versus 20 years of rulings from Supreme Court judges appointed by Hillary. I’m part of JAPAC (Jewelers of America Political Action Committee) delegation that visits Washington, D.C. each year. Perhaps under new leadership we can finally make some effective changes to the sales tax issue. On a lighter note, Trump’s wife and daughter design and sell jewelry.”
Jenny Caro, owner
Jewelry By Design
Woodbridge, VA
“I have to believe that Donald Trump would be better for small business owners as he comes from a business background. Politicians don’t understand the real world. I’m really not sure if Washington gets small business. Although Trump isn’t as much of an outsider as people think, given that in order to pull off his many real estate deals you have to be part of that system, he knows what it takes for this country and businesses to succeed. Currently, there is little reward for taking the risk of starting and owning your own small business. The government is reaching in my pockets from every direction and taking more money. I don’t mind paying taxes, but when that risk-reward incentive goes away, you have to ask yourself as a business owner if it’s worth it. At this stage neither candidate has made public solid policy statements that will favor small businesses, but with Trump my general philosophy is that he comes from a business background and will be good for small business.”
Mark Helgerman, owner
Trinity Jewelers
Pittsburgh, PA
“Donald Trump, because he has business experience and not political experience. He has created businesses and he has failed at businesses. He has had ups and downs, but for the most part he has been very successful in his many businesses including retail operations, which makes me think he’ll do well for retailers long term. Issues that I’m hoping he’ll address are sales tax matters. An online sale with people looking to save 7 percent on sales tax is a sales killer for me and other jewelers. Margins on diamond sales are already narrow enough. Our leaders have to address fair tax issues for small businesses like ours. Plus, the Clinton family is a bunch of crooks – have been for 20 years. Hillary and Bill are both liars. They lie directly to the American people and get away with it. And, if she is elected president, we’ll get more of the same.”
Brian Iroff, owner
Iroff and Son Jewelers
Alpharetta, GA
Editor’s note: Politics is a touchy matter. Southern and Mid-America Jewelry News is not and will not endorse any political candidates. We were hoping to get a wider variety of answers – arguments from both sides – to this month’s Retailer Roundtable question, but most of our volunteers agreed with one another for the most part. If you would like to give your opinion on which Presidential candidate’s election will most benefit your business, or volunteer to participate in a future Retailer Roundtable article please e-mail your comments, name, store name, location of your store and a picture of yourself to bill@southernjewelrynews.com.
