Some Rochester business leaders optimistic

Jeff Kiger

Post-Bulletin, Rochester, MN

For people in the building trades, optimism is tough these days.

"I don't know if I'd characterize it as my worst, but last year was a pretty bad year," said Rob Sanborn of the Carpenters Local 1382, talking about construction workers being laid off. "We're not looking for unemployment benefits. What we need is work. Unbridled capitalism has failed us."

Sanborn was a member of a panel discussion about the economy led Friday by U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman. Nearly 100 people attended the discussion, held at the Venture Computer Systems office in northwest Rochester.