What’s your take on the economy?

Julia Zimmerman, Seabrook Village – I’m 93 years old. For me, it’s ok. For the younger people I don’t think it’s going so well for them. Everything is so high, and college is so high. I don’t know how they make it. If you’re old, it’s ok.

Jimmy Amadruto, Interlaken – I think it stinks. There aren’t enough jobs being created. There are no jobs. You have kids coming back from Afghanistan and they can’t find a job. That’s crazy. And we should manufacture things here instead of in China.

Lorraine Backus, Red Bank – I’m on a fixed income, so it is what it is. I heard on the radio today that things were gettign better. Income raises, basically went to the higher income people. I think Obamacare is good for the people, absolutley. There are some kinks in it, but, overall, I think it’s going to be a good thing.

Edward Barnes, Neptune – I think it’s fine. I drive an 18 wheeler for a living and we have plenty of work. I see a lot of trucks on the road, so the economy can’t be doing that bad.

Jim Bollinger, Neptune – I think it’s improved tremendously over the past 7 or 8 years. The unemployment figures have dropped quite a bit since Obama came in. The economy has improved in spite of the Republicans. Everything they do is negative, negative, negative. Imagine how much better things would be if they all worked together.

Steve Cancellieri, Dino’s – My take on the economy is that people still seem to be struggling. I don’t know what the answer is, but more needs to be done. Here at Dino’s, customers appreciate the quality products we offer. We have a lot of repeat customers.

Deanna Houlihan w/Tate, Oakhurst – I think it’s on the upswing. The housing market is getting better. It’s becoming more of a seller’s market and that’s a good sign. I just heard on the radio, the other day, that people are out and about more, spending more money.

Norman Huntley, Neptune City – When you’re as poor as me, the economy is always bad. I’m 80, so, if it’s going to improve it had better hurry up. But, in the long run, I’m not in such bad shape compared to other people.

Angela Lechner, Tinton Falls – My husband and I are doing ok. But, I don’t know why jobs aren’t out there, like they should be. And I don’t know why. I don’t have a family to feed. If I did at this point things would be very difficult.

Danielle & Drew Levinson, Junk’s not Junk – We feel like it’s positive. We’re definitely headed in the right direction. We’re opening a store in Asbury Park, inside the Arcade, called ‘Junk’s not junk.” It consists of mid-century modern and vintage items. People are willing to spend money for quality and we think we’re in the right place at the right time. Asbury Park has been headed in the right direction for the last 10 years.

Gail McFadden, Manasquan – Any progress we made of late with regard to the economy was hampered by the weather, and that’s all over the country. The severe weather has hurt everybody. I don’t think the job market is better. I think the numbers are inflated. Everybody I know is still having a hard time finding a job.

Kevin McGuire, Bradley Beach – I’m retired, so I really don’t have a pulse. I think it’s difficult for youngsters to get a job. I think the economy is not doing that well right now, but would improve a great deal if we did a lot more ‘Made in America.’ Things would improve all the way around. Things would cost more, but there would be more money all around.

Emilie Puzio, Spring Lake Heights – As a realtor, I am happy to see the market improve at this time, our second summer after Sandy. New Jersey strong!

Shelli Ritchie, Manasquan – Well, I like Obama so I think things are going marvelous. I think he’s a fine man who’s working hard. He’s an intelligent man, just give him a chance.

Dale Roberts, Asbury Park & Delourds Pierre w/Brian Roberts, Neptune – Dale: The economy is stressing right now. We need more jobs, more job opportunities. We need to create more jobs and job opportunities especially for our youth. Kids see no way out. They have little to strive for. Delourds: The economy is hard right now. You work hard, but you can’t save money. Everything goes up but the pay stays the same.