I believe the state should treat employers as partners, not as an enemy. We must recognize that they generate tax dollars and create needed family-wage jobs. I back up that belief by supporting legislation to encourage the growth of all businesses and to help preserve existing jobs in our communities. It is critical for us to protect existing jobs, to enable employers to expand and create new jobs, and to attract new employers to our area. In addition to reasonable policy, I continue to work with local officials to assure they have the infrastructure needed to attract employers and to improve access to commercial lands.