With the announcement last week that Boeing will move up to 1,200 jobs out of Washington, state political leaders, including Clinton’s state Rep. Norma Smith, are saying enough’s enough.

They say Boeing’s announcement is part of a much bigger problem for Washington’s economic climate as a whole.

They’re calling for action.

“It is absolutely essential that we recognize the serious nature, and wider implications, of Boeing’s decision — this goes across all sectors of our economy,” Smith said.

“It is incumbent on us as state policymakers to send a strong message that we are aware of Washington’s competitive disadvantages and will enact policies to improve our business climate. And likewise, that we will protect our state’s competitive advantages.”

“We need to fight for every job.”

Examples of disadvantages include Gov. Jay Inslee’s current consideration of imposing a carbon tax, which would increase the cost of gas $1 per gallon.

While Boeing’s announcement is part of a larger, state-wide issue, it will have direct ramifications for residents in Island County, with one of the plane manufacturer’s plants being just a ferry ride away in Everett.

Boeing employees live on the island. They contribute to our local economy.

Move their jobs away and that directly impacts our local economy.

It’s a good thing we have Whidbey Island residents representing us at a state level.

Now that the words have been spoken, we need action.

We need these representatives to identify the problems, seek the solutions and start acting.

We can’t afford to lose any more jobs on Whidbey Island.