| This research project attempts to determine the effect of small local governments' attitudes and policies on business in Nassau County, New York. This study reveals a decided schism between the small local municipalities of Nassau County and the merchants within those domains. The findings of this study are intriguing. In essence, the results confirm issues discovered in the literature review process, validate the importance of issues barely mentioned in the literature, and uncover issues not mentioned at all. For example, the literature review process did not address the fact that part-time mayors and trustees control most small villages, even though they are unable to immerse themselves in the workings of their local governments. The lack of communication between local villages and businesses was barely mentioned in the literature review process; however, this dissonance surfaced during the case study process. Burayidi (2001) mentioned that mistrust exists between local merchants and their local governments, a view this study affirms. While the results of this research may not be flattering to the small local governments studied, this researcher did not find that local businesses are mistreated by their local municipalities. Local merchants are, however, dependent on their local governments for guidance, survival, and growth.; Out of sixty-four small local governments surveyed, only seven reported that they had a positive attitude towards business and economic development. It was found, however, that the positive attitude professed by these seven municipalities is inadequate. Visible, definitive actions on the part of local governments are required to convince merchants that the municipalities are truly interested in helping their businesses. The results of this project indicate that local governments, if they wish to embark upon a successful path of business growth and economic development, must relate more closely to their merchants and construct a viable strategy for developing downtown areas. |
