Every economy needs balance.

Here in Somerville, we strive to attract businesses and employers that will create good local jobs. But if we hold developers up with idealistic demands we’re only hurting our neighbors job prospects.

The construction of 184 condominium units at the old MaxPak paper facility seem to present a good opportunity to give work to unemployed trade and craftsmen. Developer KSS Realty and labor activists, however, continue to battle over how many jobs should go to local union workers.

At Thursday’s public hearing on the issue, one activist pointed to the current labor controversy in Wisconsin and asked how it would play out in Somerville.The ideal solution would involve both sides negotiating – and giving up some ground on both sides – to keep Somerville’s economy in balance and provide opportunities fror employees and employers.