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Voters say changes are coming

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Photo by Dan Plutchak

Brian Shackett votes Tuesday morning at Town of Delavan Community Park.

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Photo by Dan Plutchak

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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Photo by Dan Plutchak

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."