Elected officials must work together to keep from going over fiscal cliff | Letter

Right now, we are not Democrats, Republicans or Independents. We are simply “Americans,”

Right now, we are not Democrats, Republicans or Independents. We are simply “Americans,” and as Americans we must stand up for what is best for our country at a critically important time. For far too long, a “fiscal cliff” has loomed over the U.S. The issue is serious, and CEOs across the nation are working together to encourage Congress to demonstrate that principled compromise is alive and well in this country.

Many employees of Frontier Communications live in Kirkland. I have asked them, and I ask all who read this piece, to reach out to their congressional members and support bi-partisanship resolution of the economic issues that demand immediate attention. As we all know, our country is capable of great things; when the cause demands it, we can work together on any issue. The time is long overdue for Congress to do just that.

I am proud to be part of a campaign led by CEOs across the country to encourage Congress and the Administration to do the right thing. We are asking our elected officials to work together to prevent the significant negative economic, employment and social consequences of going over the fiscal cliff and the resulting across-the-board tax hikes and dramatic spending cuts scheduled to occur on Jan. 1, 2013. A failure to act will be devastating to the U.S. economy and will harm future generations. Our country will be diminished, as well as our standing in the world. The United States, once a proud leader, will be perceived as unable and unwilling to put its own house in order.

Unfortunately, Congress has achieved very little over the past few years. Partisan politics, rhetoric and pettiness have stalemated many issues. If this inaction continues, the U.S. economy, which is only starting to recover from a terrible economic crisis, will fall back into recession. It is imperative our elected officials join forces and come up with a balanced solution that will include revenue growth and spending reductions.

Thank you and God bless America.

Maggie Wilderotter, Chairman and CEO of Frontier Communications