St. Paul Sucks for Small Business (St. Paul)
Trying to do business in St. Paul is starting to affect my normal life. There are too many regulations as to what you can or can’t do. I used to think I owned my property, but during the latest building renovation here I have found St. Paul and all it’s entities have so many rules that I believe I am done. I have invested over 5 million dollars of PRIVATE financing in the last 20+ years and maintain good properties. I believe St. Paul has reached the point that we small business can no longer afford or keep up with the regulations. This will only leave the large corporate developers left. All those in St. Paul who are fond of the quaint idea of small business scraping out a niche in this city are living a dream.
The people showing up to meetings are the ones who want more regulation. The people taking board positions have agendas. This is leading down a road where it is already shocking as to how little say you have to own property in St. Paul. This city is going to choke on it’s own regulations and it is going to become too difficult and too expensive for small business.
They say the world is run by those who show up. The people showing up are ruining things for those of us who work hard, invest and take risk to better our lives and the future of our families. There are people showing up at these meetings that don’t know what it’s like to build on dreams with hard work and dedication. They just have wishes, and those wishes, no matter how expensive or silly are becoming reality as these people are getting on boards and committees.
To anyone who thinks I’m blowing smoke, attend a local meeting (District council, Any watershed district, Park and Rec, etc.) and try to estimate if the folks there really represent the overall views of the public or is it stacked one way. I’ve been on boards and councils and am currently serving and it’s very frustrating. Everyone is very busy, I know, but if you don’t take the time to hold on to your views and express them, you will have lost your chance and “sour grapes” doesn’t cut it when your life has yet another regulation, fee, permit, tax, rule or otherwise.
