Capital Gazette - Edwards Visits Gambrills, Talks Small Business

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By Sarah Hainesworth

During her low-key reelection campaign, U.S. Rep. Donna. Edwards visited Gambrills Wednesday, taking part in a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing small business.

The event, hosted by the West County Chamber of Commerce at the Waugh Chapel Community Center, attracted nearly 30 small business professionals from Edwards' District 4, which includes parts of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties.
Edwards discussed what measures she would take to benefit small business owners if elected to another term.

"I think hearing how capital financing operates for small business, trying to figure out ways in which the SPA can work with our financial institutions to provide some of that capital that businesses need to grow. I think listening to the small businesses talk about some of the concerns they have as far as doing business with our federal partners was interesting as well," she said.

Edwards was joined by U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, who is not up for reelection this year. He said Edwards has represent District 4 with its residents in mind. District boundaries were redrawn in 2011, extending Edwards district to include a stretch of Anne Arundel from Pasadena to Gambrills.

"This is an area that wants common sense representation and Donna Edwards has made Anne Arundel County a priority. She's provided the type of energetic representation that this area needs," Cardin said.

Business owners at the event expressed support for Edwards.

"I think it's good to see that she's actively working to address the divisiveness of our elected leaders," said Ernest Freeland, of Bike Doctor in Crofton.

"I think she shows a genuine concern for the small business person and understands it's importance to the economy."

Jacquie Langworthy-Perdue, director of the Kumon Math & Reading Center in Crofton, believes that Edwards will continue to represent District 4 with the interest of small business owners in mind.

"Just the fact that she's here today and willing to listen to our concerns shows a lot," Langworthy-Perdue said.

"I think she'll continue to support small businesses and to continue to ensure that small business grows in our state."

Running against Edwards in District 4, Republican Nancy Hoyt of Severna Park has said small businesses are an important part of Maryland.

"We have businesses leaving the state. Maryland is not a business friendly state, period. If you don't make the economy to attract businesses, it affects employment," Hoyt said.

"The biggest employers we have here in Maryland are small businesses because we've lost our manufacturing base. There has to be better partnering with small businesses to give people the skills they need for jobs."

Hoyt said on the federal level, she would work to get spending and budgets under control.

"You can't accomplish anything without money," she said.

"I'm well qualified for this and I think I can work for the people."

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