Seventy-one percent of business leaders said that Maine state government had a negative attitude toward business growth and investment. Eighty-two percent said they had little to no confidence in the Legislature's ability to foster or promote business development. By contrast, however, more than half of these self-reliant leaders said that Maine's private sector was better suited to foster business development.

Most sobering was the forty-one percent who said they would be unlikely to expand or relocate their business in Maine. Fortunately, an equal percent said they would stay and grow in Maine. The home-bodies were largely along the Maine coast, in the service sector and had few employees. Those who were looking outside the state were from central Maine.

What conclusions can be drawn from these polling numbers?

It appears that business leaders feel they can and will succeed in spite of government in Maine. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was that species that adapted to change would survive and prosper. Life forms that feel threatened by a change in their environment will physically change, migrate to where they can thrive or die. That is the case for businesses in Maine.

Having spoken with a number of business lobbyists following the most recent legislative session, the common theme was "We didn't get hurt too badly and we succeeded in defeating the worst of the bills that were job killers." That's not much of a ringing endorsement for the Legislature or for state government. It also suggests that businesses need an affirmative agenda.

While businesses clearly feel confident in controlling their own destinies, they seem to lack understanding or confidence when it comes to public policy and politics. In a separate 2009 Critical Insights poll of business leaders, fifty-five percent of those responding said that businesses should not be involved in electing candidates for the state legislature. Fifty-two percent said they would get involved if an issue impacted their business yet fewer than ten percent had ever actually been involved. A third said that they never mix business and politics or are afraid that political involvement would hurt their business.

When it comes to public policy, Maine businesses often are described as spouses caught in abusive relationships - they always believe things might get better if they just don't irritate their oppressors. Unfortunately, the strongest will vote with their feet rather than confront the abuser and engage in politics. That simply leaves weaker businesses, fewer jobs and even fewer career opportunities for our children.

All of Maine would benefit if more employees and employers talked about the issues that impact their business, their customers and their families. The more information and dialogue we share, the better the chance we have of electing the best representation for the future of Maine. As the old Maine Lottery slogan used to say, "You can't win if you don't play."

What do you think and what are you willing to do about it?