Some sobering thoughts

Some sobering thoughts

There is no question that there are bright spots in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley economy. The impending expansion of V&M Star steel operations, the growing high tech presence in downtown Youngstown and the coming lunch of the Chevrolet Cruze and addition of a shift at the Lordstown General Motors plant are among them.

But it is also necessary to take note of the less encouraging news, such as that released last week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services showing the Mahoning Valley unemployment rate hovering at 14.1 percent, almost half-again the national rate of 9.7 percent.

Unemployment rates do not change overnight. It is estimated that the national rate will fall only slightly, to 9.5 percent, by October.

This area is going to need a strong combination of entrepreneurship, coupled with concerted efforts by local, state and federal officials to pull itself up to the national average.