SBAM invited Anthony Forlini to respond to a questionnaire on issues impacting Michigan’s small business community. Explore his positions and priorities on key issues affecting small businesses and the role of the Secretary of State’s office.
| QUESTION 1: Why are you the best Secretary of State candidate for the small business community? |
| As a small business owner, I’m familiar with the challenges that small business owners face. My parents, siblings, and children are all entrepreneurs. I understand the responsibilities and the reward that come with this role.
I understand the awesome responsibility of an elected official, given to us by the public. Business owners need a Secretary of State that will be hands on. In the six years I served in the Legislature, I had 100% attendance and did not miss a vote in session or committee. I do not view the Secretary of State’s office as a political position but rather providing superior service that the public needs. In my current role as a County Clerk, in the third largest county of the state, I consider it a privilege and an honor entrusted to me by the public. |
| QUESTION 2: What can be done to streamline services for the small business community? |
| As the County Clerk, I reduced wait times from weeks to just minutes. I changed processes so it takes an average of less than 4 minutes to be served at the counter, and within ten minutes they are out the door. Not only that, 98% of all calls are answered by a person – not a machine. We provide a level of service unheard of in the public sector, resulting in us being recognized with two national awards out of 5,000 communities.
I have proven I can streamline services in the third largest county of Michigan. I will do it again as the Secretary of State. |
| QUESTION 3: What is working the best and what are the areas in most need of improvement regarding services to small businesses? |
| Businesses that depend on the Secretary of State are oftentimes the in-between to the general public.
Currently the Secretary of State is not viewing themselves as a partner of Michigan businesses. Rather they see themselves in an adversarial role. The Secretary of State should provide and assist businesses to make their job smoother and efforts more successful. To the extent we can provide more quality service to those businesses (i.e. auto dealers, RV vehicle sellers etc) and streamline their processes, the end result is the consumer wins. |
| QUESTION 4: How do you plan to gain insights into the small business community and their needs? |
| I plan to set up business round tables and advisory groups in each industry. Who best to know the issues of the industry than the leaders in the industry (much better than politicians can do it).
Decisions will be collaborative in nature so we can best serve the public. |