SUPPORT: Every local employer

Recently the Coeur d'Alene Press published an article that stated that the economic situation in Idaho is only getting worse, even though the recession has "officially" ended.

I am writing this letter because it stated that several large corporations, Walmart for example, have hired several hundred new employees. Many people in the area have complained about these large corporations and the low wages and minimal benefits that they provide for their employees.

Many believe the wages and benefits that Walmart and other businesses pay their employees are low, and the cost of living is very high for this part of the country. I believe that competition will only create more opportunity for higher wages and benefits. This is because there are only so many employees available for businesses in this area to select from. These businesses will have to compete for these employees. With more businesses moving into North Idaho, all businesses will have to increase pay and benefits to attract employees.

This will take some time and while it is true that in the meantime employees will have to accept lower wages and benefits, I am positive that the situation will improve. Therefore, I ask those that are complaining against these new businesses to stop and support all local businesses that are providing our friends and neighbors with employment during these difficult economic times that apparently will only continue for some time in the future.

VIVIAN BOVEE

Coeur d'Alene