In the 1976 film “Network,” newscaster Howard Beale vents his rage at the sorry state of the nation when he urges viewers to stick their heads out of their windows and yell, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Thirty-five years later, another Howard — this time the founder of Starbucks Corp., Howard Schultz — is telling people he’s mad as hell, too. In fact, he’s so fed up with gridlock he is urging other chief executives to stop making campaign donations until elected officials can set politics aside and create a fiscally disciplined long-term debt and deficit plan.
Nor is Schultz alone among foodservice leaders in his frustration. Following the bitterly divisive congressional bickering over the debt ceiling this summer and Standard & Poor’s subsequent move to downgrade the U.S. credit rating, many restaurant executives have been wondering what has gone wrong with our political system.
NRN asked leaders of both large and small companies what advice they would give to lawmakers to set our nation on a more positive path. A selection of their responses are presented here. To hear from other executives and to join the conversation, visit http://www.nrn.com/article/messages-for-washington.
“1) A clear and precise solution to our enormous amount of national debt. 2) A simplified tax code. This would actually increase revenue and help solve the debt issue, as well. 3) Less regulation. Get out of the private sector’s way!”
— Michael Ansley,
chief executive, Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern,
Southfield, Mich.
“Spend our tax dollars more wisely and with discipline, making difficult decisions like a private-sector company does on a daily basis. Have the courage to confront the entitlement crisis bankrupting our nation. Lift the heavy regulatory burdens placed on small businesses, [which] are stifling economic growth and creating uncertainty. Focus less on politics and more on enacting common-sense reforms that will return America to prosperity.”
— Cheryl Bachelder,
chief executive, AFC Enterprises, parent of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Atlanta
“Congress needs to think about creating incentives for businesses that will allow them to reinvest in themselves, thus resulting in more jobs. I recall one incentive for a company that I once worked for that was extremely successful. It was an investment tax credit combined with lowering the corporate tax rate. By doing this, companies could receive a tax break and free up additional funds that they could then invest in their own businesses. Most importantly, it created jobs, which ultimately created additional income tax, making it a win-win situation for everyone. Congress should work toward enacting similar measures such as this to boost the economy, and reduce government involvement in business and daily living.”
— Jack Butorac, chief executive, Marco’s Pizza, Toledo, Ohio
“Small businesses account for approximately 50 percent of all jobs created in the country. If lawmakers want to set the country on a more-positive course, outdated rules, laws and regulations should be evaluated and ultimately repealed. Small-business owners spend an inordinate amount of time administering regulations that are no longer applicable, and that capital could be deployed for growth, hiring and expansion.”
— Craig Dunaway,
president, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Cincinnati
“At Auntie Anne’s, we work in a collaborative way with our franchise partners to understand how we can drive more guests to their stores and build on the brand’s success. This would be a good model for our lawmakers to consider in their interactions. It involves three basic steps: 1) listen to the feedback presented by the public, 2) listen to one another, and 3) work together in constructive and positive ways to foster business opportunities, job creation and economic growth.”
— Bill Dunn,
president and chief operating
officer, Auntie Anne’s Inc.,
Lancaster, Pa.
“We elected lawmakers for the betterment of this country. This is a two-party system; [they should] work with the other party. I’m really frustrated with the current tone and rhetoric. Our founding fathers created a system for vigorous debate, but we need to arrive at what’s best for the country. Is it best for the country that there is so much vitriol out there? I’ve never seen a wider chasm between the far left and far right. We need to work together as our forefathers have for 235 years.”
— Philip J. Hickey Jr.,
chairman, O’Charley’s Inc.,
Nashville, Tenn.
“Any organization needs a clear strategy supported by a group of people who have values, and a compensation/rewards system aligned with the strategy. I believe our federal government lacks most of these components. My advice: Begin the real work, not the appearance of real work, to put these basics in place.”
— Michael P. Mack,
chief executive, Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., San Diego
“The adage of ‘lead, follow or get out of the way’ has a lot of relevance today. The core structures to lead business and industry to economic growth and success have been in place for many years. Our legislators really need to support those democratic, free-enterprise systems, processes and incentives and avoid putting roadblocks, barriers and, most importantly, uncertainty in the way of companies that create jobs and generate profits for shareholders and tax revenue for our government.”
— Ken Myers,
president, Romacorp Inc., parent of Tony Roma’s, Plano, Texas
“We’re all disappointed by what happened this summer and hold politicians responsible for [Standard & Poor’s] downgrading. Put aside the politics and put the American citizen first. It’s encouraging that the president has a jobs bill [and that] Republicans like parts of the plan. Maybe there is cause for optimism.”
— Alfred Thimm Jr.,
president, Stoney River Legendary Steaks, Nashville, Tenn.
“There are many things our leaders can do to get America on a more prosperous track. I am going to focus on two, which are relevant to our industry. First is the conversion of corn to ethanol fuel. This practice needs to be reduced rather than expanded. In addition to raising food prices to all consumers, it is preventing us from feeding many people in real need. Second, I believe the best way to grow our economy is through expanding small business. Strong programs need to be put in place at the Small Business Administration making it easier for borrowing, and rewarding those companies that are successful with further incentive programs.”
— Larry Reinstein, president and chief operating officer, Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, Charlotte, N.C.
“We’re clearly in a crisis as a nation, not just economically but in regard to leadership. We need national leaders who are willing to find a bipartisan approach to our economic troubles and can devise a plan that will stimulate growth and investment while also increasing revenue and reforming entitlements. A stronger focus also needs to be on small businesses, encouraging them to expand and to put more Americans back to work. Reviving our economy will take real leaders who have the courage to cross the political divide and put our country first over ideology.”
— David Rutkauskas,
founder, president and chief executive, Beautiful Brands
International, Tulsa, Okla.
