Richard Dougherty
CEO
Expert Choice, a Arlington (Va.) software company heavily involved in government contracts
"There's the immediate short-term need to get the credit markets moving again. The crisis started with the housing sector and it will end there. When we resolve the mortgage mess the economy should start moving in the right direction again. In the long term, the next Administration should recognize that business is the engine that drives economic growth and job creation, and its policies should reflect that.
The next Administration should take a more holistic approach regarding their economic policies. Businesses of all sizes, particularly small businesses, have tough choices to make every day. They make trade-offs and prioritize their objectives when planning and budgeting. The next Administration should adopt the same disciplined approach in developing their economic policies and spending proposals. Tough choices need to be made, and you can't get it all done at once.
If the Administration prioritizes its objectives and communicates these clearly to the nation, that transparency can bring stability that benefits all small businesses. As a collaboration software company with significant federal government business, we, along with all government contractors, will benefit from expanded use of the business case model in government decision-making. It standardizes the budget process, results in smarter decisions, and increases transparency."
