LAKEPORT, Calif. – Gray Heron Farm, Lakeport provided a great setting for Kenny Parlet to address the Lake County Republican Women, Federated and their guests on June 13.

Parlet is owner of Lakeview Supermarket and Deli, and currently a member of the Lake County/City Planning Council and the Lake Transit Authority Board, which gives him the credentials to speak about the hazards businesses/counties/education face with the monumental list of regulations placed on all today by state and federal agencies.

With charts and prose, Parlet focused on the regulatory burden in California which continues to grow.

As an example, starting untrained employees at minimum wage increases is most difficult for all small businesses. It immediately raises the cost of operating the business.

There are many occasions when an employee feeling trained, will decided it is time to move on, so it is a vicious cycle for the small business. This added cost forces the business to raise prices to the consumer.

An employer is also subject to fines should an employee make a mistake innocently or with intent. A small business faces hazards in the workplace every day.

For any entrepreneur, the permitting process in daunting. One only needs to look at the permitting, licensing and taxation schedules of California to realize how courageous entrepreneurs really are.

We are hearing this very situation focused on by John Cox, candidate for governor. “The only possible way to rescue California from a likely financial melt-down is to unleash small business, roll back oppressive regulations and focus on economic growth.”

Counties and cities face the incremental task of attempting to move forward to improve their areas. With the rebuilding in burned areas and the cost of marijuana controls, and many other issues, all are hard pressed to keep expenses down, while protecting their areas from increased crime being seen from the early release of prisoners.

Reflecting on education, Parlet sees our children being let down by tremendous control of education by government and not allowing parents to choose the best school for their children. Children are being indoctrinated with the idea that the government, not the parent, can take care of them and skill training is being overlooked as the way to give young people an opportunity for employment upon high school graduation.

Attendees found the experience with Parlet one of gaining greater understanding of what is happening, not only in our area, but throughout California.

Lake County Republican Women, Federated will next meet on July 11 at Riviera Hills Restaurant, Kelseyville with guest speaker James McCully, California Republican Northwest Region representative.

Leona M. Butts is vice president and publicity chair of Lake County Republican Women, Federated.