MIKE J. COUGHLIN
President and chief executive, Equality State Bank Cheyenne, Wyo.
I am in favor of it. I just feel it's better for the country. Mexico will get into a trade relationship with Japan if it doesn't get into one with us.
The U.S. needs to compete worldwide on the trade market. I'm not sure how it will affect the banking industry.
It might help our customers who want to export their products.
Ranching, farming, and the government sector are the major industries here.
Ranching, farming, and some oil-based industries will be affected by Nafta.
A lot of people don't know how they feel, maybe because a lot of them don't understand it.
I've heard some customers say they are in favor of it.
HARRY NEWLON
Chairman, chief executive, and president First National Bank of Artesia, N.M.
There are a lot of unanswered questions. Personally, I am in favor of it.
The status quo situation as it exists between the U.S. and Mexico in terms of trade is unsatisfactory.
Nobody knows the true impact of Nafta, but at least it's a step in the right direction.
Of course, the experts differ on the true impact. Since the current situation is unsatisfactory, it could change things for the better.
If it benefits business in general, then it will benefit banking. In terms of my immediate area, it will help the agricultural industry.
JOHN W. COOK
President and chief executive, National Bank of Stamford, N.Y.
Yes. I generally feel that anytime we operate in a free-trade environment, the true economic impact should not be distorted by tariff. That is why philosophically I support Nafta.
I'm sure there will be some dislocations that will occur. But there will be additional business for manufacturers. I'm not aware of any plans of any companies to do business with either Canada or Mexico.
We have some wood products and communications equipment businesses, but I'm not aware of any dealings that would be directly affected.
For the whole country, I can see a lot of benefits. That's why I'm supportive of the passage of Nafta.
