2013 Questionnaire for New York City Candidates

ABOUT THE SMALL BUSINESS COALITION

The Small Business Coalition is a Section 527 Political Action Committee that strives to enhance the ability of all New Yorkers to achieve the American Dream. We believe in creating and sustaining economic opportunities by supporting honest leaders and common-sense initiatives that will continue to move New York in a positive direction. Our focus is improving the climate for small businesses and entrepreneurs so they can succeed and hire. And we support candidates with the integrity and character that is deserving of the publics trust. For more information on the Small Business Coalition, visit WWW.SMALLBUSINESSNY.ORG.

PROCESS
This questionnaire is designed to elicit your ideas on improving the climate for small businesses in New York. Responses may be distributed publicly. After your completed questionnaire has been processed, you may be invited to participate in a formal interview. Questionnaires are due June 12. To be considered for an endorsement, the completed questionnaire must be submitted via email as a Word document or PDF to Executive Director John Eddy at john@smallbusinessny.org.

C ONTACT INFORMATION
Candidate Name: District/Office Seeking: E-mail: Mailing Address: Phone: Website: Social Media Pages/Profiles: Campaign Manager:

When submitting, please include a high resolution photo of the candidate, candidate bio and any literature that has been distributed by the candidates campaign.

PERSONAL INITIATIVES
1. Please share your personal or professional experiences or accomplishments

that demonstrate your commitment to advancing a pro-small business agenda in New York:

POLICY INITIATIVES
2. Please indicate whether you support or oppose the following proposals.

Explain answers if needed: A. Reducing personal income tax rates on incomes up to $200,000 for small businesses and middle class families: Support Oppose B. Eliminating convenience fees that are charged to businesses when applying for licenses, permits or certificates and when paying for violations online:
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 Support Oppose C. Reducing the number of fines and fees levied on small businesses: Support Oppose D. Establishing a goal of cutting the total amount the city raises from small business fines and fees by 25 percent in 2 years: Yes No E. Requiring that warnings are issued for non-health/safety-related violations before fines are levied on businesses: Support Oppose F. Revamping the restaurant inspection and grading system to reduce the number of non-health/safety-related fines imposed on restaurant owners: Support Oppose G. Making the regulatory review panel permanent: Yes No H. Investing in infrastructure and mass transit, including expanded ferry service: Support Oppose

I. Utilizing public/private partnerships to develop more affordable housing while spurring improvements to parks, schools and libraries and to help clean up the citys waterfronts and brownfield sites: Support Oppose J. Increasing the number of specialized small business incubators run by New York City: Support Oppose K. Establishing a New York City small business revolving loan fund: Support Oppose L. Expanding training grants and tax credits for small businesses who train and hire new employees: Support Oppose M. Continuing benefits through the NYCIDA and NYCEDC for businesses that create jobs. These benefits, including tax-exempt bond financing, sales tax exemptions, waiving of the mortgage recording tax and real estate tax deductions, have helped create more than 103,000 jobs since 2002: Support Oppose N. Expanding the Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP) to cover more small businesses: Support Oppose

O. Increasing the Relocation and Employment Assistance Program (REAP) tax credit: Support Oppose

P. Mandating that more businesses pay prevailing wages: Support Oppose Q. Mandating that more businesses pay living wages: Support Oppose R. Ending the double taxation of S Corporations (General Corporation Tax) and Limited Liability Companies (Unincorporated Business Tax): Support Oppose S. Allowing small business input on new bike lanes and the location of bike share racks: Support Oppose T. Expanding the Paid Sick Leave law to cover: a. Businesses with 10 or more employees? Support Oppose b. Businesses with 5 or more employees: Support
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 Oppose c. All businesses: Support Oppose

3. Would you commit to appointing small business owners to Community

Boards to ensure the voice of the small business community is heard? Yes No
4. Please outline your own specific ideas for improving the small business

climate in New York:

5. What do you think are the largest inhibitors of growth for the citys

economy?

6. What sectors do you feel will drive the economy for small businesses in New

York in coming years and what will you do to support those sectors?

7. What specific steps will you take, if elected, to help reduce the number of

unemployed New Yorkers?

8. In relation to the New York City Budget:

A. Please outline specific budget areas you would prioritize for funding if elected:

B. In an effort to manage future budget deficits, please outline specific areas where you believe the city can achieve savings:
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ENDORSMENTS RECEIVED
Please list out any groups, unions or relevant individuals who have endorsed your candidacy.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Please use the space below to provide any additional comments if needed.

Please submit this completed questionnaire, along with photo of candidate, candidate bio and any literature that has been distributed by the campaign to Executive Director John Eddy at john@smallbusinessny.org .