During a Job Task Force meeting at the Department of Human Resources Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala., said we have to have “bold initiatives” to have “big progress” in the Black Belt.

While a certain amount of progress has been made in the past year or so, more has to be done to improve the area’s economic picture.

The unemployment rate is way down as compared to just a few years ago. Still, Dallas County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

Gov. Bob Riley has made a trip to Europe in an attempt to lure more business – and jobs – to Alabama.

That doesn’t mean our area will benefit, however.

Dallas County politicians and business leaders have to be banging on the doors of those who have influence in the state.

You’ve heard the old saying “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

In our case, we need to be making as much noise as possible.

The attention of the governor and top officials in Montgomery is not directed toward the Black Belt. That’s just the way it is.

Our representatives, state senator, county and city leaders can get their attention.

But, we can’t just depend on state assistance to get the economy going. We need folks who are ready to roll up their sleeves and adopt a “can do” attitude.

We need bold initiatives. We need leaders who will think outside the box in order to bring jobs back home to Dallas County.