Jeff Jared suggests the solution for job creation is that “the government get out of the way.” The following are some of Jared’s suggestion and why I disagree:

1. “We should implement more lenient hiring and firing rules…” Translation: allow companies to terminate without cause for reasons such as age, race, to eliminate a higher wage earner, or for rejecting sexual advances.

2. “Repeal Pres. Clinton’s Family & Medical Leave Act” and “all other government-mandated benefits” Translation: no overtime, no safety regulations, and no right to stay home and care for a dying child, parent, spouse, or even the right to retain your job after recovering from a serious illness.

3. “Deregulate the economy generally to create more profits…” I think that already got us foreclosures, failing banks, financial crisis, and an unemployment rate above 10 percent. Oh, and how’d you like a toxic waste site on your neighborhood park or a school to collapse due to unregulated construction practices? I don’t “like” regulation either, but I do appreciate some degree of safety, which happens in spite of the fact that every time a regulation is passed, companies immediately hire teams of lawyers to look for a loophole so that the companies can keep up their smarmy practices (and their profits).

4. “Abolish the minimum wage.” Even with the minimum wage, people are not making enough for basic necessities, but if we could just get rid of minimum wage laws, we could have more unskilled labor paid like the illegal immigrants are now with lower wages. Isn’t that one of the reasons why companies hire illegals? (There is an added benefit in that those messy regulations protecting health and safety can be ignored.)

5. “Reduce occupational licensing requirements.” Licensing is required to help ensure that people are at least informed of safety standards for their jobs such as the importance of hand washing for food service employees. I want some assurance that the food I buy from a vendor has a reasonable chance of being safe and that my cab drivers has driving skills and knowledge of driving laws.

Mr. Jared wants “the free market to do its thing and create jobs.” We could probably morph this over-regulated country right into third world territory. If we really want more jobs, we support education so that we don’t have to import those “contractors.” That is why I will be voting for the King County Rural Library District levy, and the Lake Washington School District levies, and bond issue. I absolutely believe there are things the government does better.

Deanne Gilbert, Kirkland