I read your editorial about former Gov. Bob Ehrlich's plan to help small business ("Small business agenda, details TBD," June 9). I attended his meeting this past Monday. Bob gave out plenty of details. He wants the state of Maryland to be more "business friendly," requiring state officials to help rather than stymie business development. With Solo Cup and ESPN Zone closing, more than 700 more Marylanders will be out of work.

Even if some of them have the financial wherewithal to start a small business, the permitting, licensing, and taxation systems make starting a business difficult, if not impossible. Cutting state bureaucracy would go a long way toward encouraging Marylanders to start businesses.

Bob Ehrlich at least has a plan. What does the current administration have? A commission.

Ease up on Bob and cover his campaign fairly.

Karen