In my column, I offer a glimpse into how the public is coping with the mixed messages about the economy. There are strong arguments for a positive outlook as barious parts of the economy stop contracting and start growing again.

This story offers a broad but quick snapshot. This website compiles most, if not all, economic indicators and is worth a peruse. Allison Butcher, director of public affairs for the Master Builders Association makes a good point: until people feel secure about employment, that is until the unemployment rate dips way below its current high, no amount of rosy-tinged reports of leading economic indicators will make them feel confident.

This white paper on socio-economic beliefs and how they are shaped by recessions helped shape my thinking as I interviewed Don Gerend, a member of the Sammamish City Council and Rep. Reuven Carlyle, a Democratic member of the state Legislature. A generation separates the two men, yet their outlook on this economic downturn was largely the same.

I didn't have room in my column to mention this but Rep. Carlyle brought up something I want to hear echoed by other lawmakers, particularly Democrats: making Washington a more business friendly state. Yes, Washington has an entreprenurial spirt and an educated populace, but some of its rules and policies can drive small business owners crazy. For example, dealing with different counties and their different licensing rules and B&O tax reporting requirements. Carlyle wants to untangle the thicket of rules and reporting requirements. He should go for it.