The latest figures about Lawrence and Douglas County’s job totals were tough to swallow.

First, the new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that Douglas County lost jobs in 2008. Then, it revealed the county finished in the bottom third of the state’s 105 counties in terms of job growth. Further, it confirmed Douglas County was the only urban county in the state to actually lose jobs in 2008.

Finally, it delivered perhaps the toughest news: Douglas County’s job totals in 2008 had fallen to their lowest levels since 2003.

Simply put, these numbers are an embarrassment to our community. A community with as many blessings as Lawrence should never be in the bottom third of the state when it comes to producing jobs. A community with a major university, a prominent spot along one of the more important interstates in the country, and a population full of highly educated residents should always have the bar set much higher. Lawrence should be a leader in the region, let alone the state, when it comes to creating jobs and building a quality community. The fact that we have failed to live up to that promise for several years now is a blemish upon the leadership of this community.

There, we’ve vented. Now, it is time to do something about it.

Many organizations — including the city, the county, the chamber, the League of Women Voters and The World Company — are hosting a forum on job growth on Oct. 29. The event, set for 6:30 p.m. at Lawrence High School, will be an opportunity for community members to have a serious discussion about why the community has struggled to grow jobs in recent years. We encourage all who care about the future of Douglas County to attend.

We also encourage all who attend to make it the best event possible. That means that the event must be something more than just an exercise in assigning blame. Now is not the time to point fingers. Now is the time to point the way forward.

We also hope that individuals will come with specific ideas and specific concerns. The time for glittering generalities also has passed.

It is time for Lawrence and Douglas County to pick a path. Then we must begin the hard work of leadership, the hard work of convincing our fellow residents to follow us on that path.

There’s no reason that we can’t do this. Douglas County is a wonderful community. We’ve been showered with advantages: Geography that places us close to a major metropolitan area and in a prime transportation corridor; natural resources that include plentiful water and good soil; rich history that is both nationally important and inspiring.

And, of course, we’re a beacon of education. We’re home to three universities that are populated with vibrant students and faculty. In sum, we are a smart community.

Smart enough to know that we can do better.