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Economy, Civil Rights Are On The Minds Of New Canaan Voters

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Chris Valk had the economy on his mind when he went to vote Tuesday in his first presidential election in New Canaan.

Chris Valk of New Canaan stands outside New Canaan High School after voting in Tuesday's election.

Chris Valk of New Canaan stands outside New Canaan High School after voting in Tuesday's election.

Photo Credit: Melvin Mason
Chrissy Woerz of New Canaan cast her vote for President Barack Obama because she supports same-sex marriage.

Chrissy Woerz of New Canaan cast her vote for President Barack Obama because she supports same-sex marriage.

Photo Credit: Melvin Mason
Chuck Balestrino of New Canaan voted for Mitt Romney to become the next president, believing the Republican nominee is more supportive of self-achievement.

Chuck Balestrino of New Canaan voted for Mitt Romney to become the next president, believing the Republican nominee is more supportive of self-achievement.

Photo Credit: Melvin Mason

Valk, 23, of New Canaan, probably was not alone in his thinking as he went to the polls at New Canaan High School. Concerns about the economy and where it will go have interested voters all over the country in leading up to the biggest political day of the year.

Valk, a recent graduate of Colgate University, has more confidence in Republican nominee Mitt Romney to make changes that will help him to find employment. “I want to get a job. I have to start paying taxes and that’s what’s important to me,” he said.

The economy was the top topic for Laura Durkin, and she voted for all Republicans. “It (the economy) is horrible. We’re not going anywhere,” Durkin said. She added that she trusts Romney because of his experience in business and government and says he’ll do a better job of helping middle-class families. 

Chuck Balestrino of New Canaan also cast a vote for Romney and running mate Paul Ryan, saying Romney is not about micro-managing things. “I see him as someone who has a positive feel about individuality and self-achievement,” he said.

Chrissy Woerz of Apple Tree Lane split her votes between Democrats and Republicans, saying she wants balance in state and national government. At the top of her ballot, though, she chose President Barack Obama to have a second term because of his support for same-sex marriage. Woerz says she has several gay and lesbian friends, and “I want them to have the same rights as I have,” she said. “I’m a strong supporter of gay rights, so that was the big one.”

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