“Do you think the economy is improving?”

Luita & Andrew Yonker w/Gabriella, Long Branch – We don’t think the economy is improving. The only jobs created are part time jobs. They’re making the numbers look better than they are by not counting people who aren’t looking anymore and counting the part-timers. Obamacare is driving some of that because companies don’t want to hire right now and pay the premiums. There’s too much uncertainty right now.

Domonique Anderson, Neptune – I would think by this time it would be, but I think it’s stagnant right now. The housing market has gotten better since 2008, but it seems stalled right now. I know it’s a slow process to get back to where we were, but I don’t think we’re going to get there soon. I bought my house in 2006 for 280k and now it’s worth 220k. I don’t think its getting back to the 280k any time soon.

Akhi Barksdale, Red Bank – I don’t think it is getting better. I think it’s getting worse, unfortunetly. We need to create more jobs, and for the youth as well. There is a lot of idle time being spent on the street corners. A lot of talent is being styfled (sic) because there isn’t much to do. It stultifies (sic) the esteem of the community.

Pat Brenan, Neptune – No, I think we’re going backwards. I can see the way people are spending money and they don’t have it. People think we’re headed into another war, like Iran. And what did we accomplish there? All those troops lost. How are you going to replace them?

Kristin Hess, Neptune – Yes and no. I’d have to say that it’s really sad that someone in my position, a single mom who owns my own business, can’t afford healthcare. My daughter has health coverage through her father, but I can’t afford healthcare. My income is ten dollars over the limit for help.

Chris Keller, Sea Girt – No, I don’t think it is. I think there is a lack of prudent leadership at multiple levels of government. I think there is a lot of smoke and mirrors. Things aren’t what they seem. They tell you what you want to hear. The housing market isn’t as good as they tell you it is. People are getting mortgages again that they shouldn’t.

David Kessler, Showroom – The economy is getting better at the movies and that’s because we have great movies, the best around. And we have great patrons, people who understand independent films. We anticipate an array of fall releases that should do very well.

Tom Kulesa, Asbury Park – Guardedly, yes. I do feel, I notice more businesses opening up. People seem to be getting out and about more and spending more. But, for me, I’m cautious with my money. I can’t help but wonder if the next shoe is going to fall.

Nicole Nies, Pure – Yes. I think so. I haven’t heard as much talk about my friends parents losing their jobs or houses. I haven’t heard as much bad news. I don’t know how much better it is but I don’t think things are getting worse.

Tom Pizzonia, Asbury Park – It depends on the area. Here in Asbury, it’s looking good. Things are opening up here. More building, more stores, lots of restaurants. More people. I frequent Red Bank, too. Things seem to be getting better there, too. People here are giving back to the community. They support Mom & Pops.

Frank & Sue Schiava, Ocean Grove – Too many of our friends are still out of a job, and when they do find work, it’s way less than they used to make. And some people who had full time work are now only working part time, and Sue is one of them.

Tim Siciliano, W.Allenhurst – Yes, I believe it’s getting better. And, being a realtor, I feel real estate is an integral part of that. The key, I see, is that we have first time home buyers back in the market. For 5 years, they just weren’t able to buy. Banks are loaning money, if you’re living within your means.

Benjamin Stewart, Tinton Falls – Yes. I do. I think sales are improving on cars. Stores are busier. The price of gas is holding stable. A lot of bad things are happening, but money is still flowing. And the building continues. That’s a good sign.

Annette Taylor, Neptune – I don’t think it’s getting better. The very rich are doing better, but the middle class and poor aren’t’ doing any better. For example, food prices have gone up dramatically in the last couple years, but the salaries haven’t.