Joann Sindelir: The business we built

We "paid our fair share" from the local level on up. The city of Longmont collected not only sales tax, but also "use" taxes on all equipment, from computers to forklifts. Boulder County received sales tax and property taxes (to support "open space"). The state collected workers' compensation, unemployment tax and sales tax. On the federal level, we paid 7.25 percent Social Security tax for our employees.

We paid salaries and wages to more than 30 people and also provided health care benefits, and enjoyed being able to donate to many civic organizations, thus "giving back to the community."

Our business contributed to the economy in many ways, and then at the end of the year we paid private state and federal income tax on what was left, proud to be business owners and taxpayers.

My husband's parents were immigrants who came to this country for a better life. He was educated in country school, worked hard all his life, and made the most of every opportunity his parents struggled to give him. He proudly pursued the American dream without a day of college, and succeeded because he was willing to work hard and risk starting his own business. Would he do the same today? I think he would look around at the hostile business climate, the increasing regulation and taxation and say, "Under these conditions, the risk is just too great." And with four more years of the current administration, the risks incurred by small businesses will certainly increase and the benefits will decrease.