The Question Is…
Do you think the government should help struggling homeowners?
Constance Smith, Neptune
Yes, they should. They need help.
In the future, the need to make everybody understand what theyre getting into. They need to understand the graduating mortgages before they sign. I believe thats the root of the problem.
Rick Goeden, Asbury Park
Yes, the government should get involved to a degree.
In my view its a matter of overall confidence in the economy. If the housing market fails completely, the downside risk is too hard to contemplate.
Nina Fiorillo, Asbury Park
Yes. The economy is so bad, they need the help. I dont mind if my tax dollars go to help.
I feel sorry for a lot of people today.
Phillip Wadsworth, Ocean Grove
No. I dont think the government should have to take care of private citizens financial responsibilities, especially real estate.
People got in over their heads. They shouldnt have entered into financial agreements they cant handle.
Tyson Raynor, Neptune City
My daddy thinks the government needs to help. So many people were trapped into those adjustable rates they cant afford.
They should have stepped in a long time ago – but better late than never.
I dont mind my tax dollars helping out fellow citizens.
Vivian Stine, Ocean Township and Joan McHolly, Wanamassa
Vivian: No. I feel sorry for them but they should have known what they were getting into in the first place.
Joan: Yes. I think that the government should have better regulated the markets before we got to this point.
You could see this coming. We waited too long.
We need to make sure people keep their jobs. Thats the problem – people are losing their jobs.
And we all thank you for the $600. I would be willing to donate my $600 toward helping someone keep their home.
Brett Holloway and Carolyn Curtin, Asbury Park
We think where the government should have gotten involved is in the beginning with prevention. Now people cant afford to live where they live because theyre over their heads.
The lenders should be taken to task, but not us. Why should we pay – they made the money. Its all a big facade thats now crumbling.
Please send us your suggestions for The Question Is… email us at editor@thecoaster.net
Photos by Michael Kearns
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
