Adirondackers been known to take luge-run around difficulties
A big issue in the lives of Central Adirondackers, along with everyone else, is the economy; and who among us doesn’t have an opinion about it, especially local business owners and wage-earners.
We all wonder where the economy’s headed next and what we can do to fix it.
However, there are times when we in the Adirondacks can feel disconnected from the turbulance around us.
This “financial isolation” happened in 1932.
While the rest of the country tried to figure a way out of the Great Depression, Adirondackers welcomed skiers and skaters to Lake Placid to enjoy its luxurious mountain setting and compete for chunks of gold.
Obviously our mountain community is much more connected to the economy today.
But certain characteristics do allow us to fare better than our fellow Americans, in certain ways.
For instance, the price of oil, which has skyrocketed in the last decade, has been one of the main hindrances to the nation.
The tourism industry has declined faster than you can say “OPEC” and one would think our towns would go down right along with it.
Thankfully, that hasn’t happened. Instead of going on long vacations to tropical destinations, families have limited the fun to day and weekend trips. Since we are just a “tank-full away” we have benefited from this mindset.
We also have a fair number of seasonal residents with secure finances, that can continue enjoying Old Forge and Inlet.
Still, people in the area have felt the pinch. Many are scrambling to find work and make a living.
These are tough times. People in the North Country, though hardy, are not invincible.
It is just as important to our area as it is to the rest of the country that we find an answer to the question.
How do we fix the economy?
Our government is not set up to act quickly or efficiently. Sweeping reforms and changes are bridled by checks and balances.
The economy will rebound eventually, but it will take longer than a single politician’s idea becoming policy or a good week on the stock market.
It will take the American people working together to find the best solution, and it will take American people from all walks of life, including our small townships.
As for government? We all know partisan bickering is not the way. We need to focus on the issue and consider all ideas. We need to apply common sense. That’s our way of out of this recession.
The right idea is out there. It is up to the people to find and embrace it as an undivided nation
