It’s time to rev up area’s job growth

Times have been tough for the past several years — and they remain tough — in this place that some playfully (and others, seriously) call the People’s Republic of Asheville.

No doubt, many deep sighs of disappointment were heaved when, in early February, the state Employment Security Division announced that the Asheville metro area gained only 100 net new jobs in 2011.

Indeed, the report shows — at best — marginal job gains resulting in 0.1 percent growth for last year.

With the local economy sputtering, Buncombe County’s unemployment rate increased to 7.6 percent in December, up from 7.3 percent in November.

The prolonged economic slump has many communities reeling in distress in the United States and around the world, so Asheville’s slight gain in jobs could be interpreted as relatively positive.

However, we think this metro area can do much better.

To spur job creation in the private sector, we encourage local officials — where possible — to cut taxes and fees on entrepreneurs. Such a tack would encourage them to grow their businesses, thereby necessitating the hiring that this area so badly needs.