It’s not on the scale of the apparent bureaucratic mess at the Veteran’s Administration where it’s alleged that people have died waiting for medical care, but Harrisburg red tape and bureaucracy is causing unnecessary hardship for the owners of the Harmony Inn. And the harm spills over to other businesses in Harmony that would benefit from restaurant goers strolling through town before or after dinner.

A front-page article in last Sunday’s Butler Eagle described Bob McCafferty’s frustrations as he tries to re-open the Harmony Inn, which he bought at sheriff’s sale in August. McCafferty says that in June 2013 he was told by the state Department of Revenue that the new liquor license he had acquired was fine. But months later, in November, state officials revoked the license, saying more financial records were needed, particularly for the period from 2009-2013. The problem is that during that time, McCafferty did not own the restaurant — so it appears the state’s issue over tax information is with Gary Barnes, the previous owner. But the bureaucratic red tape and lack of effort or urgency in clearing those issues are hurting McCafferty and his efforts to reopen what had been something of an attraction or retail anchor in Harmony, bringing visitors to the historic town.

Renovations at the Harmony Inn were completed and workers had been hired to get ready for opening. But the state’s red tape over financial matters dealing with the previous owner have delayed the opening, causing McCafferty headaches and costing him money because he’s not yet generating revenue to recoup the money he’s invested in the business. In addition, the delay has forced McCafferty to let go of 54 employees he’d hired to work at the restaurant and bar. With the state holding the liquor license hostage, McCafferty could not afford to pay those workers without any income from food and alcohol sales.

After months of frustration, McCafferty is trying to get help from local officials and elected officials in Harrisburg. He’s contacted the offices of Gov. Tom Corbett and state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-14th, who toured the refurbished Harmony Inn and says it’s a “top priority” for him to cut through the Harrisburg red tape for McCafferty.

Jack Cohen, head of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, is also going to bat for McCafferty. Cohen’s tourism background gives him a clear understanding of what is at stake here and the damage the state’s lack of cooperation is causing McCafferty and the entire Harmony business community.

This story of a small business’ frustration with state bureaucracy plays into the anti-government movement, which often portrays government bureaucracies as unnecessary obstacles to economic progress. While government has an important role to play in many areas, it should also be expected to function efficiently and cooperatively. That doesn’t appear to be happening in this case.

If McCafferty is being persecuted for the sins of the previous owners, as he and other observers suggest, someone should put an end to it. Is the time wasted getting through red tape related to inadequate staffing at the Department of Revenue? Is the lack of cooperation from from state bureaucrats a cultural attitude in which they see business as the enemy? Or do they just not care?

Whatever the problems, it’s time for a concerted effort to clear them up — and soon. Corbett and other Republicans could gain credibility to support their campaign rhetoric of being “business friendly.” Democrats should want to cut red tape that’s costing people a job and a paycheck.

Efforts here and in Harrisburg should move the process forward, and quickly, so McCafferty can get the Harmony Inn up and running.