Published: October 23, 2008 08:56 pm      

Economy on minds of voters

BLUEFIELD — Whether the economy will rebound, whether jobs will be available and whether one’s vote really counts at all are questions on residents’ minds as America gets ready to select local leaders, state leaders and a new president.

Which presidential candidate can soothe the nation’s troubled economy was a question Mercer County residents were contemplating. Some still wonder about which choice would be the right one.

“It’s like you don’t know,” said Tanda Meadows of Princeton. “You don’t know who has the answer for that.”

The economy and another closely related issue were issues being contemplated by another Mercer County voter.

“Well, the economy’s got to be first, absolutely,” said Jewell Dunford of Princeton. “It’s probably the biggest issue.”

The high cost of health care was another item a new president should look at first, Dunford added.

One area man was wondering about condition of the nation’s voting process and whether his vote truly mattered.

“Well, I’ve watched all the debates and I try to stay informed,” said David Erps of Princeton.

However, with superdelegates and lobbyists influencing decision-making in Washington, D.C., how significant is an individual’s vote? Erps said. For example, in 2000 President George W. Bush won national office while losing the popular vote.

“How important is our vote today?” he said.

Other potential voters wondered whether the presidential candidates truly understand how people on the street are struggling with the economy.

“I just think about the economy and how prices are going up. They make it harder to make ends meet,” said Samantha Hawkins of Pipestem. “You even wonder about getting a job and keeping a job.”

Candidates are saying that they understand the problems of average Americans, but the “average Americans are the people around here,” Hawkins said. “I’m in college right now. When I get out, will there be a job for me?” She plans to become a nurse.

Some residents don’t plan to go to the polls at all.

“I don’t vote,” said one man who declined to give his name. “I think you’re picking the best liar.”

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com