Marion residents speak out about presidential election, economy

People interviewed during a swing through Marion are divided between Barack Obama and John McCain for president, while bemoaning the country and county’s dire economic status.

Linda Fort, 64, an employee of First Charter Co. Inc in downtown Marion, said she is a McCain supporter because “I feel like he’s more experienced” and “he will be a good president.”

But Fort is scared for the economy.

“I don’t know which way to go or what to say about it,” she said. “I’m just taking it one day at time. It’s bad here in Marion and a lot of people are losing their jobs. One of the Piggly Wiggly groceries just closed.”

Portia Seay, 65, is a retired nurse. She recently moved back to Marion, her hometown.

“I’m horrified and I don’t really know who to vote for,” she said. “It has gotten to the point where it just seems scary because McCain and Obama have each got their downfalls.

“You think one is looking good one day and the other the next day. I just don’t have any idea who I’m going to vote for.”

And Seay’s feelings about the economy aren’t much better.

“It’s awful and getting worse throughout the country,” she lamented. “If we don’t get the right president and get something done, we’re going to really be messed up.

“The economy in Marion was going down before I moved back. We need drastic change. People are losing their jobs, places (are) closing up and people aren’t spending money, but thank God the gas prices have come down.”

“Well, I have listened to what both presidential candidates have had to say,” said Ebony Felton, 29, “but I’m leaning toward Obama because of the economic stands he (is) talking about as far as taxes are concerned.

“And the people — I don’t want to say the poor people, but the more lower level income people — a lot of them do have issues with taxes and stuff like that. So, I’m sure that Obama could help them with all that.”

Felton said more jobs are needed “because people are struggling.”

Ronnie Foxworth, 45, works at a pharmaceutical plant.

“I don’t think the bailout is the answer to the problems we got,” he said. “And I think the politicians are out of touch with the real people.”

Foxworth said the local economy is suffering with the lack of jobs and Marion County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

“Things need to be done by the local, state and federal governments, but they aren’t being done,” he said.

Foxworth is disgusted with the negative campaigning that is going on for president.

“I wish McCain and Obama could focus on the problems at hand and do what’s right for the country,” he said.

But Foxworth is holding his cards close to his vest as to his choice, adding,“I won’t say who I’m leaning toward.”

Marilyn Hayes, 61, is optimistic the economy will improve in the future. She also hopes “everyone will get out there and vote.”

“I’ve definitely made up (my) mind who I’m voting for,” she said as a smile swept across her face. “I’m voting for the old man and the young chick. I really feel like they are better qualified.”

Although Sarah Palin might not have as much experience as Joe Biden, Hayes said, “she’s willing to get in there and do a good job. I think she’s done a good job for her state and can do a good job for all of us.”

Delon Brigman, 71, is retired. He said the economy is terrible everywhere. He hopes something can be done about it after the presidential elections.

“I’m a Democrat all the way,” he said. “I’ve been a Democrat all my life. I think Obama can do the job. He is looking pretty good so far. I sure hope he can turn it.”

George Durica, 60, was taking a break in his late model Jeep Wrangler, which sported a cue ball on the five-speed gearshift lever.

“I’m for McCain and Palin because I like how they represent us,” he said. “I don’t see the change in that other individual, I just don’t see it at all.

“You know, I’ve been through a lot of elections and that guy (Obama) is not ready to be president. As far as I’m concerned, he’s snowballing everybody, pulling the wool over their eyes. But, hey, it’s going to be the young, not you and me that are the future of our country.”

Durica doesn’t think the government should have bailed out Wall Street.

“It all started with AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” he said. “Those execs, they put us in the hole. And you know where they all went? They went to work for Obama. Man, do you believe that? I don’t know if people know that.”

Durica says the local economy is “real bad” and the unemployment rate is “sky high.”

“It seems like all the businesses are moving overseas and that’s a shame as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “I’m from Ohio and I’ve been a union man all my life. I believe you should take care of the worker because that (is) where it all starts.”

Roy Campbell, 75, is retired. But he still is working because “that’s the only way I can make it.”

“I feel like this whole United States needs changing because of the way things have been going for (the) last 12 years,” he said. “It’s been pathetic. I don’t think we would have been over in the war that we’re in now if Bush had listened to the old man (George H.W.) Bush.

“He (George H.W.) went over there to get Saddam and he didn’t get him. And he had to come back and tell Bush (George W.) that there was no ammunition and stuff that he was looking for when he went over there. That’s what got us into this war now.”

Campbell said the economy dropped like it did because of the war.

“They (are) losing a lot of money over there,” he said. “Why does the United States want to go tear up a place and turn around and rebuild it? Millions and millions of dollars that they (are) sending over there, they could use it right here.”

And while he was on a roll, Campbell had one other thing to say.

“If I had any power or authority to do it, any man that had a business in the United States and shipped it overseas, that’s where he would have to sell his stuff because that (is) were most of the jobs has gone, overseas.”

Campbell said the economy is “terrible” in Marion.

“We need something done around here, too,” he said.

Stan Collins, 29, is a youth minister at Marion Baptist Church.

“A lot of things outside politics will determine who I’m voting for,” he said. “I’m voting for John McCain, mainly because I refuse to vote for any party that backs abortion.”

Collins said “he didn’t feel educated enough on the issues” to make any comments on the economy.