Given the national imperative to create jobs in this troubled time, the ability of members of Congress to understand the importance of private-sector job growth is critical.

Accordingly, I think it is appropriate to dispel a misimpression found in these pages created by a quote from a political candidate.

Contrary to his assertion, I have had private-sector jobs where I have driven bulldozers, cement trucks and dump trucks, practiced both civil law in a small firm for 18 years and prosecuted criminals, painted houses and large buildings, advised small businesses, washed dishes, waited tables, waxed floors at a mental health care facility, ran a jack hammer, refereed basketball games and moved furniture, all for pay, and all performed with all the energy I could bring to the task at hand.

I have been around. During those jobs, I came to believe that hard work is in the pantheon of the higher human virtues and that the people who do this work are deserving of a decent shake from their government.

These folks, who sometimes face real challenges, both economic and job related, are in my thoughts every day in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Jay Inslee

Bainbridge Island