Voters say changes are coming
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Brian Shackett votes Tuesday morning at Town of Delavan Community Park.
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Erling Rosseland, left, and Patricia Rosseland check in to vote Tuesday moring in Fontana. Poll workers are, beginning in the foreground, Kathy Walsh, Jan Klockars and Diane Rinaldi.
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Dr. Jordan Kopak leaves after voting at Town of Delavan Community Park Nov. 2, 2010.
The national and state governments, some Walworth County voters say, have the equivalent of a 1-7 win-loss record so far this season.
Many are calling for a change of coaching staff.
Economic fumbling, sacks resulting in soaring debt and penalties that create job loss seemed to be foremost on voters' minds Monday as they talked about election concerns they would take to the polls today.
All polls open at 7 a.m.
A brief and unofficial survey of county voters accentuated that either a change in office holders or a change in the way people are elected would return prosperity.
Susan Lanham, a businesswoman in downtown Elkhorn, said: "The economy has got to be the No. 1 concern.
"I see a glimmer of hope," she said, when asked about an economic turnaround. "The outcome of the election will determine whether that optimism is sustainable."
Lanham said a change in the play callers along the sidelines would keep the ball rolling.
"If the election shows more of the same, then we're not going to maintain optimism," she said. "This is not working. We need a change in direction and leadership so it does work."
Mel Hinterlong of Sugar Creek Township said his concerns are the economy and the government's related deficit spending.
"It's stagnant, and it could stay that way if there isn't change," said Hinterlong, a former councilman of a small Illinois city. "I think we need a change in officials, and we need term limits."
As a former politician, Hinterlong said he understands the need for new blood in organizations, including government, to bring forward new ideas.
"It's healthy for government to experience turnover," he said.
Erin Yarmo, a businesswoman in downtown Delavan, said her frustrations go beyond day-to-day issues. To get the country back on track, she said, the election process needs a change that does not involve a two-party system.
"I see people every day who have lost jobs and health insurance, and their unemployment is running out," Yarmo said.
People with new ideas cannot get elected unless they are affiliated with a powerful party, which is unfair because qualified and well-meaning outsiders are ultimately shut out of serving in public office, she said.
"We need to abolish the party system," she said. "Lobbyist should be put out of business."
Yarmo said an election is the same as hiring an individual for a job.
"We should be hiring the individual and not the party," Yarmo said.
The lone voice to maintain the status quo was Monika Johnson of Lake Geneva.
Jobs and the war are her predominant issues in this election, and she thinks the current government is directing the country in the right direction.
"The country is turning around a little bit," Johnson said. "It seems to be OK, now."
Nov 3, 2010 at 10:38 a.m.
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"Unemployment is still above 9% and the GOP has been in power for almost 24 hours. My patience is wearing thin!"
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The ignorant loons are indeed clueless on many things as far as how government works, including tax cuts. Until the new members are sworn, which does not happen until Jan, try your best to refrain from senseless dribble.
Nov 3, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
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Tissue sales must be staggering today as all the dems cry in their cappuccino.
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:49 a.m.
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this is going to be a good season to be in the uhaul and moving business in mad city. I did vote for fiengold but my feelings aren't hurt that he's leaving..
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:36 a.m.
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NVgrf--Let's just give the Republicans time to put their ideas into play before condemning them. Democrats have been in control of Congress, and the country's finances for 4 years. It has been an absolute disaster. Business responds well to Republican ideals, this as well as defunding wasteful programs such as Obama's HCR, could be the spark this country needs to get back on track.........
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:36 a.m.
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To paraphrase Any Rand.....'Where's John Galt.'
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:23 a.m.
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Back to the future has now become literal as Wisconsin has chosen myth, big business, and fear over common sense and reason. Way to go, Wisconsin electorate who have such a short memory belying our great state heritage and motto. You'll now get what you deserve but it's incredibly sad that another generation will also now suffer by your ill-considered foolishness to pick up all the pieces later.
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:08 a.m.
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Looks like basic gridlock now until 2012 when folks realize that the newly elected have failed and nothing has been changed and the vote swings in the other direction. Americans today want immediate gratification as is evidenced by the President's polls after two years. It took W and his gang eight years to dig the hole and people want it filled in in two. Maybe it's the instakill video games...who knows.
Nov 3, 2010 at 9:03 a.m.
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Unemployment is still above 9% and the GOP has been in power for almost 24 hours. My patience is wearing thin!
Nov 3, 2010 at 8:46 a.m.
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Bollocks!
It will be the same 'ol same 'ol with different faces.
BTW rusty, YOU are the one that cannot complain, YOU voted 'em in.
Nov 2, 2010 at 11:54 p.m.
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Well, the GOP does keep telling us that politicans don't create jobs, and they're about to prove it. Cheers!
Nov 2, 2010 at 8:01 p.m.
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I laughed so hard today during an interview by adria mitchell on MSNBC with the dem chairman tim kaine. Tim sounded just like bagdad bob saying how the dems would maintain control of the house after today's election.
Nov 2, 2010 at 7:34 p.m.
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Change? You've got to be kidding. Nothing in Washington will ever change. Just different faces with the same hands out to their corporate masters.
Nov 2, 2010 at 7:29 p.m.
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If u r waiting for an elected official to bring back jobs then u r going to be waiting a long time...
Nov 2, 2010 at 6:19 p.m.
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How come Ryans roadmap didnt include a roadmap to the polls. I almost got lost.
Nov 2, 2010 at 6:13 p.m.
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I voted. :)
Nov 2, 2010 at 5:14 p.m.
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I'm not convinced that who is voted in to office will change anything. I am looking forward to the commercials going away, the knocks at my door stopping, and no more phone calls. And, Yes I did vote.
Nov 2, 2010 at 4:54 p.m.
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If you don't vote, you can not complain about the results!!
Nov 2, 2010 at 4:25 p.m.
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vote vote vote people you might get that job back everyone hope will happen.
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