Bacon's Rebellion

Democracy Thrives in Sunlight

Pro-Business AG

—

by

James A. Bacon
in

Michael Hardy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that a bunch of GOP notables are praising Attorney General candidate Robert McDonnell because of his “pro-business record.” That record was compiled in the House of Delegates.

That’s nice, but what exactly would McDonnell do as AG that would help or stimulate business?

I’ve got one suggestion. Virginia agencies that deal with business could use some help from the AG’s office when answering queries from business. There’s a lot of confusing Code of Virginia language and the creativity of new business ventures and structures magnify that confusion. A little help, more easily accessed by agencies, would go a long way. Del. McDonnell can contact me for more details.

Share this article

ADVERTISEMENT

(comments below)

ADVERTISEMENT

(comments below)

Comments

  1. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    How about zealously enforce the right to work statute? How about keep the business taxpayer in mind when ruling on dozens of whiny opinion requests from the army of commissioners of revenue trying to squeeze out the max? How about maintain Virginia’s standing as one of the least plaintiff-friendly states, as measured annually by the US Chamber of Commerce? How whole free enterprise system depends on the fair enforcement of laws (look at the mess in Russia where the Kremlin makes its own laws). A pro-business AG is vital. One of Mark Earley’s great failures was to send the message that he had been attentive to the business community.

  2. Will Vehrs Avatar
    Will Vehrs

    How about it? It all sounds good to me. Thanks for the suggestions.

  3. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    As to your suggestion, Will, the AG is expressly prohibited from providing legal advice to private individuals and businesses. When the code confuses you, or you need to know if some court case contradicts the code, the bar insists you call one of them and run the clock!

  4. Will Vehrs Avatar
    Will Vehrs

    4:20 Anon, I know that’s the rule and it’s why I phrased my suggestion the way I did–advice to agencies that receive calls or inquiries from business.

    Call me crazy, but if we have a government, it would seem to me that one of the first responsibilities of that government is to explain how to comply with its laws.

Leave a Reply

Read More