07/18/2005
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A supporter of legislation to establish Small-Business Health Plans (AHPs), NFIB member Judy Smith says the health insurance crisis is her greatest concern. "You have very few plans to choose from." |
Not many people have the perspective of politics that Judy Smith has.
Owner of Smith Seal in Raleigh and an NFIB member since 1998, Smith took over the business after her husband died unexpectedly. The German-born entrepreneur has guided the 15-person operation superbly and taken a liking to politics in North Carolina.
"Legislators [here] need more education on small-business issues," she said. "In Germany, there are no lobbyists."
Smith has educated herself about politics and become active in the Raleigh Area Action Council, part of NFIB's grassroots organization in North Carolina. She has become a media contact on small-business issues like health insurance and taxes, and is a "great admirer of what NFIB has accomplished," citing the recent Small-Business Day at the Capital as one example why she values membership.
But she almost wasn't a member, recalling her sales visit seven years ago.
"At first, I wasn't too taken, but [the representative] convinced me," she said. "He told me why I should join."
Over time, she began to see the value and started voting the NFIB Member Ballot regularly.
"I think it's the only way to get things done," said Smith, noting the information NFIB sends is "interesting and informative." Today, NFIB is a primary source of information because it explains the issues and lets her decide.
NFIB/North Carolina State Director Gregg Thompson said Smith is a "gem member" who is articulate on the issues and passionate about small business.
"Judy Smith commands a great amount of respect among our membership and in her community," Thompson said. "We're very lucky she's part of NFIB."
Smith has her eye on two key issues – finding affordable health insurance and lowering taxes.
"The whole situation [with health insurance] is so unfair," she said. "I don't want to punish our people [so] I'm still paying for their families, [but] I am always stunned as to how much [the health-care crisis] is affecting people.
"You have very few plans to choose from."
Smith said her business, which has very few deductions, is paying 43 percent in combined federal and state taxes, which is inhibiting growth and reinvestment. She carries a higher inventory and longer accounts receivable than she would like to service customers.
"I have to carry a credit line to afford it because I pay high taxes," she explained. "I would like to invest more in the business."
Smith is optimistic about several aspects of state government. She likes the road improvements she sees and the "overall good upkeep."
"I think the Outer Loop is wonderful. They've done good planning," she said before asserting the Triangle transit project is a "gimmick" that won't work and is wasteful.
For now, Smith said she plans to continue her grassroots involvement through NFIB. She's paying close attention to the grassroots groundswell that has been occurring in the Ukraine, and now Europe.
Said Smith, "They're picking it up from here."
