Nov. 8--In Pittsburgh, demand for welding instruction at the Community College of Allegheny County has jumped so high that the college will begin offering overnight classes next semester.

In Virginia and New Jersey, exit polls after Tuesday's election showed that the economy continues to be the top issue for voters.

As newcomers move into county and municipal government positions, we will be watching to see how they carry out plans to improve Erie's economy.

Erie County Executive Barry Grossman will likely play the most visible role in figuring out the direction Erie's economy should head. But township supervisors will also face economic development challenges to fill empty storefronts and return vacant property to the tax rolls.

Even with positive developments in retail and residential markets and with expanded gaming options at Presque Isle Downs & Casino, more initiatives will be needed for long-term economic stability.

This brings us back to the community college. Republican Mike Kerner, who lost his bid for county executive, argues that Erie educates too many students who then leave this area to find jobs elsewhere. We end up with a trade deficit of sorts, he says. But that's a circular argument. If students are educated for the right jobs in Erie, if employees can update their skills to keep their jobs here and if displaced workers can be retrained for new jobs, they will remain in Erie and enrich our economy.

According to a story by Bill Schackner in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, enrollment in the 18-credit welding technology program at the Community College of Allegheny County has surged, from 29 students in the fall of 2008 to 109 students in the fall of 2009.

Starting in January, students will be able to take welding classes from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. "Actually, a lot of these students prefer midnight or late night hours because it fits their schedules better," said instructor John Ginther. "A lot of them are displaced workers, or they have child-care issues or they have part-time jobs."

Ginther added that certified welders can start at jobs paying $12 to $20 an hour.

This does not mean that Erie would follow the lead of the Community College of Allegheny County with a particular curriculum. But the CCAC example does demonstrate that community colleges are nimble enough to adapt to student schedules and to the demands of the marketplace.

The story also quoted Diane Bosak, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, who said enrollment statewide has surged by 10 percent, or the equivalent of "one entire community college."

Grossman and his elected colleagues will have to burn the midnight oil to see how quickly Erie can become part of that trend.

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