It seems one can't open a newspaper or turn on the television these days without being bombarded with "bad news" - news of skyrocketing unemployment, a deep recession, political strife and partisan posturing and finger-pointing in Washington D.C.

It's an unfortunate fact that positive developments are too often overlooked.

Yet there is plenty of "good news" happening all around: Churches are holding fundraisers to benefit those who need assistance; civic clubs are working to improve the local quality of life and Scouts are learning the keys to success in life. Parents, grandparents and businesspeople are volunteering in local schools. Students are celebrating achievements and families are celebrating reunions.

(As someone who tries hard to be an optimist, I've always had a fondness for community newspapers such as the one you're reading right now. Weeklies, non-dailies and other local publications strengthen the communities they serve by showcasing "good news" in the community. Amid uncertainty over our economy, their role is more important than ever.)

I bring this up now because this is a special time for your community, your state and, indeed, the entire nation.

It's a time of "good news" - a time of optimism, of young people celebrating accomplishments, and of a new generation preparing to meet life's challenges.

It's graduation time.

Across the country, new high school and college grads are embarking on life's next chapter. It's a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and soaring expectations.

Sure, times might be tough, and this year's college graduates face the frightening reality of an economic downturn and tight job market.

But this crop of graduates could certainly help pull America up from this economic decline. The new generation entering the workforce could well be the one that charts a new course, the one that leads us in a new direction of prosperity and a brighter future for generations yet to come.

I'm also optimistic about the next generation of public servants - the young men and women who will soon be making decisions that impact our daily lives.

Of course, as an elected official I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with many new graduates. They often ask me for advice - although they are more likely to ask for advice related to my experience as a CPA rather than as an elected official.

In meeting with these young people (and some older graduates as well), I never cease to be impressed. Today's job-seeking graduates need courage, patience and resourcefulness - but from my experience, they're more than up to the challenge.

And that's certainly "good news" for all of us.

(The comptroller general is the chief fiscal officer for South Carolina. The comptroller general's office approves, supervises and accounts for all state spending.)