The facts tell a different story | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 10:06 am Monday, April 30, 2012

To the editor:

The April 20 issue of the Review included a letter from James M. Olsen which begs for a response.

In his letter, Mr. Olsen claimed that “Washington state clearly telegraphs that Washington is not a business-friendly state.” He also wrote that “Start-up businesses are convinced” that there is a “toxic climate working against them.”

Mr. Olsen’s claims do not reflect reality, but you don’t have to take my word for it. For example, Forbes Magazine in 2011 ranked Washington as the seventh-best state for business.

Similarly, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council ranked Washington number five in their 2012 Business Tax Index. The SBE Council also ranked Washington number 11 in their 2011 Small Business Survival Index.

Washington’s supposed anti-business climate is a familiar refrain of the right wing, of course.

And, with a gubernatorial election coming in November, we can expect to hear this canard ad nauseam in the months ahead. Just remember, the facts tell a different story.

MICHAEL GRAY

Bainbridge Island