September 22, 2010
I’m proud to join the growing ranks of Republicans and business leaders enthusiastically endorsing Keith Allred for Idaho’s next governor.
I have known Keith and Christine Allred for over a decade. They are individuals of good heart and sound mind whose only interest is in dedicating their considerable energy to making Idaho’s government better. By this, I mean that they will make Idaho’s government more responsive to the needs of all of its citizens.
My research has shown that the type of technology that creates jobs is called “disruptive innovation.” Keith Allred is at the forefront of those who know how to use these innovations to the work of government. I was delighted to watch how he used these ideas first at The Common Interest, and I am thrilled that he can now use his capabilities for all Idahoans.
Here is a man who’s made strategic use of a new technology in order to empower more people to participate in our system of government by the people. The results have been remarkable: wise policies that better serve the interests of everyday Idahoans.
This is exactly what Keith will bring to the governor’s office. Specifically, this is what he’ll do to turbo charge economic growth and job creation in Idaho. I wholeheartedly endorse Keith’s plan to partner with everyday Idahoans in a comprehensive review of special interest tax exemptions. By using every dollar saved from closing the tax breaks that don’t make sense to cut overall tax rates, as Keith is committed to doing, Idaho will unleash the forces of innovation that drive economic growth.
Special interest tax exemptions most often benefit older, established industries and companies. My research has shown that these older enterprises are typically not the source of the innovation that drives prosperity. In fact, because older enterprises have a hard time competing with new ones, they tend to seek preferential treatment through tax exemptions that a free market won’t give them.
By eliminating special interest tax exemptions, Keith Allred will remove barriers to market entry for new enterprises that will more rapidly grow the economy. These new enterprises fuel economic growth because their innovative technology provides access to products and services at lower costs than was previously the case. This is among the most powerful tools of economic growth and job creation available to a wise governor.
Keith Allred believes in government by the people and a market economy because he knows that together they best serve the people. I recommend him to all Idahoans as the candidate for governor whose intentions are best aligned with their own well-being.
Clayton Christensen
Robert and Jane Cizik Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
Author, The Innovator’s Dilemma (1997), Disrupting Class (2008), The Innovator’s Prescription (2009)