small business struggles Archives

Who Is Christopher Eric Bouchat? Maryland’s Maverick Candidate for Governor

September 8, 2025September 7, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Christopher Eric Bouchat’s journey from a teenage offender to a small business owner, recovering addict, and state delegate sets him apart in Maryland politics. Now running for governor, he blends hard-earned lessons—surviving incarceration at 16, an attempted murder in 1995, and the devastating loss of his daughter to opioids—into a campaign built on empathy, accountability, and reform. A poet as well as a politician, Bouchat casts himself as a voice for everyday Marylanders, promising to end gerrymandering and return power to the people.

Rockville’s Empty Storefront Problem: A Failure of Policy and Priorities

September 2, 2025September 1, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Rockville Town Center suffers from high rents and low demand, leading to empty storefronts. The post-pandemic shift to remote work and the rise of online shopping reduced foot traffic. Community resistance to mixed-use development and ineffective leadership further exacerbated the problem. Urgent action is required to revitalize the area and attract businesses.

Trump’s DC Deployment: Safety First, But At What Cost to Business?

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in DC aimed to address rising crime but has led to significant economic repercussions. With a 25% drop in restaurant reservations and declining tourism, businesses are suffering. The approach needs refinement to balance public safety with economic stability, avoiding further crisis in the city’s economy.