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Frederick County Commissioner John "Lennie" Thompson Jr. has made no secret of the fact that he would like to eliminate the Office of Economic Development.

Though the office's $1.69 million represents just .36 percent of the county's $476 million budget, Thompson would like to eliminate what he calls "corporate welfare," and he sees the Office of Economic Development as a prime target.

Arguing against such a position is difficult in today's economic climate, one in which the county government faces a $7 million shortfall, not including the public school system.

Wiping out the Office of Economic Development would account for nearly one-third of the shortfall.

But shutting down the office would be a mistake.

Referring to the office's programs as "corporate welfare" plays well in certain circles around Frederick County, especially when residents learn that the office uses tax dollars to benefit private businesses.

But such a view is myopic.

The Office of Economic Development helps companies thrive, the influence of which has wide implications.

A thriving business community allows residents to find jobs closer to home, reducing miles driven on the road and traffic, thus improving their quality of life.

A thriving business community provides tax dollars for the public coffers without requiring costly services, mainly schools.

A thriving business community is as important to a community as an active population is to a democracy.

But the Office of Economic Development does not only support private businesses. It helps unemployed workers look for jobs through its Workforce Services program.

In fact, nearly 100 people a day are using the program, Laurie Holden, its director told our reporter last week. Eliminating the office would mean an end to such services at a time when unemployed Frederick County residents need it more than ever.

Thompson does not argue that such a service is valuable to residents, but he says that many services are equally important and the government cannot fund them all.

We concede that point, but taking away a job-consulting service that many unemployed residents use at a time when unemployment claims are rising is akin to denying water to the high school football team during an August practice.

Commissioners Jan. H. Gardner and Kai J. Hagen have said they support the office, and do not want to close it.

Commissioner David P. Gray seems to be in Thompson's corner, and said that Frederick County is already an attractive place for employers, so we should not spend money trying to attract them.

Commissioner Charles A. Jenkins is open to the possibility of closing the office, but has not committed either way.

We urge commissioners not to close the Office of Economic Development. Perhaps its budget can be trimmed, but closing it all together is short-sighted.

What do you think? To submit a letter to the editor in response to this editorial, log onto www.gazette.net, and click on the Speak Out tab.