The president of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National
Association announced he applauds the efforts of both presidential candidates
for their focus on plumbing contractors during the presidential debate on
Wednesday night.
“We think it is great that comments from ‘Joe the
Plumber’ were brought up several times in last night’s presidential debate,”
said PHCC President Joe Schmitt, Joe Schmitt & Sons Plumbing & Heating,
Englewood, Ohio. “Plumbing, heating and cooling contractors, most of whom
operate small businesses, have been a big part of the American economy during
our organization’s 126-year history. Unfortunately, smaller companies like
ours can be forgotten as the country focuses on big business issues.”
Schmitt went on to say that the next
administration's tax policy will have a major impact on PHCC members, no matter
which party is in office. “It is our sincere hope that both the Democratic
and Republican candidates will think long and hard about the comments of my
fellow Ohio plumber Joe Wurzelbacher as they consider future tax programs. It
is imperative that entrepreneurs like Joe and PHCC members across the country
have the opportunity to buy small businesses and create jobs for Americans.
That is the American dream, after all.”
Small businesses throughout the
nation face rising gas prices, the cost of health care and the uncertainties
facing financial markets, Schmitt said. “They’re being hit from all sides.” Reform
of the nation’s tax policies should be a top priority for the next
administration, he stated, and the next president must consider the needs and
contributions of plumbing, heating and cooling contractors as small
businesses. “The survival of PHCC’s members and America’s small businesses
may depend on this. This has to be priority in order to help this economy
recover and to encourage investment from new business owners.”