Over the years I’ve been accused of being overly optimistic in what I’ve written in this space – in fact, descriptions have included “delusional” and “naïve.” The accusations have some merit. But I embrace the criticism with some pride if the alternative is telling readers they should lock themselves in their homes and give up all hope on their awful futures.
Instead, I have openly rooted for Northwest Montana’s economy, hoped that it would turn a corner and, in doing so, focused on small anecdotes as evidence things might be getting better. Often those predictions were premature. I’m certain to make more of them. This column might be more proof of that because I think 2013 is going to be great. So sue me.
Just making it to the new year will be a feat in itself since many people thought the end was nigh. That theory involved the Mayan calendar and the date Dec. 21, 2012. I won’t bore you with why that date was chosen for the apocalypse, but I would recommend watching a movie starring John Cusack aptly named “2012 “ – it explains everything. Although Cusack was far better in “High Fidelity.”
I promise this time that my positive outlook for 2013 is more than simply wishful thinking. There are some facts to back it up – mainly the unemployment rate. I have written dozens of stories on jobless numbers here, a depressing exercise. But lately it’s become far less bleak.
Yes, Flathead County’s November unemployment rate is still 9 percent. Yes, that’s too high. But comparing it to last year at this time, or, even better, the year before, is enough to make even the most misanthropic person smirk. The same month a year ago the rate was 10.6 percent. And the year before that it was 11.8 percent.
Not good enough? Well, local industry representatives also say the economy is getting better and think it will continue to improve in 2013. That’s what they reported at a recent Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon that also focused on their priorities for the upcoming Legislature.
Yes, our biannual Legislature has the ability to ruin everything. Look what lawmakers did in 2011. Instead of focusing on bills to promote businesses, they decided it was a good time to assert state sovereignty, legalize spear hunting and adopt the Code of the West – making an already bad year worse.
But I think this upcoming session will be better. Don’t laugh.
With the exit of Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who Republicans in the statehouse almost universally resented, there is an opportunity for a fresh start between the parties. And Gov.-elect Steve Bullock and GOP leaders in the House and Senate say they want one.
In an interview last week, Senate President Jeff Essmann said he hoped there would be a “new tone in Helena.” And Speaker of the House Mark Blasdel said there was a “level of optimism” heading into the session and he has told his Republican colleagues to “stay focused and stay realistic.” That’s a good start.
Of course, politicians at the federal level could tank the economy by diving off the fiscal cliff and refusing to raise the debt ceiling. But I don’t think either will happen, even with the dreadful cast of characters in Washington, D.C. dead set on frightening their constituents. They do this every year, it seems. And it’s hard to take the threats seriously anymore.
I have high hopes for 2013, as I do for just about every new year. January is another opportunity for a fresh start. Perhaps that’s delusional optimism. But that’s better than pointing out that the unlucky number 13 means we’re all doomed.