Getting government out of the way

Here's a story in the Tulsa World that makes me wonder just how much Oklahoma's economy is being held back by government intervention. At the same time it makes me think that pro-Capitalism efforts on the local level just might be able to make the most immediate impact.

Admiral Twin sets groundbreaking ceremony for rebuilding effort

Smith initially said he was aiming for a July 4 re-opening of the 60-year-old drive-in, where crews from Ark Wrecking were seen removing debris on Wednesday.

Everything from zoning issues and safety code concerns to replacing the burned-up electrical system and fabricating steel for the new tower have delayed the opening date to August.

"We tried to hit the ground running (after obtaining a Small Business Administration loan), but it hasn't happened that way," he said. "There's more red tape than the public realizes, more hoops to jump through."

As the owner of a seasonal business, no one wanted the drive-in to re-open sooner than Smith.

"Opening in August means that we've missed the best three months of the season for a drive-in," he said. "The drive-in is going to open this summer, but certainly not when I had hoped."

"Zoning issues"

"Safety code"

"Red tape"

What zoning issues should an existing business have to deal with? Why would there be any issue unless the original zoning had been changed? Why would the zoning be changed? If the zoning was changed, why wouldn't the change account for existing businesses?

These are just some of the things that everyone looking to start a business in Oklahoma has to deal with day in and day out. How many of them become discouraged by it and change their minds about opening or locating their business here?

Stories like this convince me that every effort made to reduce regulation in Oklahoma will have a positive effect on the state's economy.