MICHAEL E. GROVE President and CEO First National Bank of White Sulphur Springs Montana
I see a program that isn't going to stimulate the economy. In fact, I think it will slow down the economy even more at a time when it is already weak. I see too much in taxes and not enough in spending cuts.
I see the influence of that on a small rural community being very negative. I think the increase in taxes will hit them hard.
DONALD R. MENGEDOTH Chairman and president Community First Bankshares Fargo, N.D.
I am tremendously concerned about the increased tax levels that will ultimately be resolved for corporations and customers of ours who invest capital into job creation.
I agree that the deficit needs to be reduced, but it is critical to focus on expense reduction opportunities rather than revenue increases.
JOHN S. KREIGHBAUM CEO and president Premier Bank and Trust Elyria, Ohio
Frankly, I believe it will have a chilling effect upon the business community. I think it will have a tendency to discourage business as far as investing back into our markets in the form of capital.
My suggestion is to pull back on tax increases and work on spending cuts.
Psychologically, I think it will have a negative rather than a positive effect.
