A small silver lining has appeared on the economic front

A new manufacturing company has its sights set on Poulsbo, and it’s bringing 100 jobs our way.

Westbury Inc., a Seattle-based company, with a patent for a safety barrier designed for airports and stadiums, will move into the Twelve Trees Business Park between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15.

Once it’s moved in and settled, it is expected to generate nearly $31 million for the community. The jobs, which will trickle in, will pay $16 per hour.

Though it’s only 100 new jobs, they couldn’t come at a better time.

After nearly a year of being battered and bruised by a nasty economy, it’s nice to finally get some good news. Too many businesses have fallen victim to the recession brought on when the inflated housing market went bust and took us along with it.

Just this week, we bid farewell to yet another casualty as the Lemolo Market no longer finds itself viable. While the owners aren’t pointing to the economy specifically, it’s one more hit to an already aching area.

While we celebrate the small victory, we’re also hopeful that there’s more good news on the horizon. We also call on public officials to do what they can to cultivate more opportunities.

In Poulsbo’s case, we’re pounding the drum for the second time that now is not the time to cut funding for anyone or any entity whose job it is to find others work, such as Soundworks Job Center on NE Iverson St.

To take away opportunity from those who use these services in these hard economic times is just irresponsible.

Here’s to hoping the Poulsbo City Council makes the right decision.