Is Unemployment a Myth?

You can tell when its election season. The lies are thick in the air, well more then usual during this time. With Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in the running for governor, it seems there's an all out attack on the city of Lansing. Basically portraying the city as another Flint; another run down shit town. As a resident of the greater Lansing area for over 10 years, I can truly say, the city seems better then ever. Which drives me to wonder how much of the unemployment is a myth?

Some examples:
Eating. Went to a no-name $10 a plate restaurant today at 1:00pm (after lunch crowd), it was waiting room only. In fact if you go just about much anywhere around town during peak hours, yep your waiting. This isn't the sign of a dead city, its a sign that when you go out, plan on a wait.

Traffic. Its everywhere. I love this city because the lack of a rush hour. Been more like minutes. It seems lately though, there are more folks on the road, at the gas pumps, or I'm parking farther from the grocery store entrance. Again, are these signs of a poor economy?

Building again. That's right, housing zones that froze 3-4 years ago are moving again, and the houses are being bought. Its not just residential, commercial seems to have never stopped. Tech jobs are way up. (Below: new Delta Insurance building in Okemos)

Contractors. Okay, this one is personal. I'm trying to get some tree trimming done, an no one wants to take the job. Its nuts, because there are a several dozen tree trimming services listed in the directories. Folks don't show up, or keep postponing. I'm just too small time for them to care. That's certainly not a sign of a bad economy. Also got a estimate on my house to be painted...they'll do the job...next month...arrrgh.

The list goes on and on. More bike trails, festivals, etc ...its a great place to be. As for that horrible economy, read this Free Press article from today.