By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The war in Iraq seems to be overshadowing all other issues in the current elections campaign, including the economy. But surprisingly, local business leaders say they're all right with that.
One of the presidential debates focused on domestic issues, including an exploration of the candidates' positions on jobs creation. But for the most part, most attention is being paid to terrorism and the war in Iraq. Mark Hamister, chairman and CEO of the Hamister Group of Companies in Amherst, says he welcomes the fact that the nation's security is the primary issue right now.
"Look at what happened post 9/11. The economy suffered greatly as a result," Hamister said. "So, first and foremost, I do believe the number one issue of the security of our economy is being addressed. We need to look seriously at that leadership."
Still, Hamister says he is concerned about what's being done to take this region to the next level. He says the ongoing investment in the life sciences at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is a great example of how the area's economy is being transformed.
John Dandes, president of the Rich Baseball Operations, chairs the government affairs committee at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. He says a key issue for many business leaders is the smooth flow of people and goods over the area's international bridges.
"Clearly, as we look forward to the future, the ability of Buffalo and Western New York to act as a gateway for Canadian export and import is paramount," Dandes said.
But even that brings us full circle back to the top issue of terrorism and the war in Iraq. Increased customs checks on some days this past summer caused massive back-ups at the area's bridges to Canada. And it will be up to the nation's elected leaders to find the balance between heightened security and the smooth flow of traffic.