Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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November 8, 2012

Election results spark concerns for many residents

By KATE COIL Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — Many local residents said they are concerned for the future of the country and the coal industry following Tuesday’s presidential election.

Ashley Persinger, 23, of Lindside said Wednesday she feels the re-election of President Barack Obama will mean the end for the coal industry.

“The results were not good, especially for West Virginia,” Persinger said. “We are all about coal here, and Obama is saying that there won’t be any more coal plants. A bunch of people are going to be out of work. I think they re-elected the worst president in United States history.”

Chris Treadway, 27, of Oak Hill said he disagrees with the president on many issues.

“I am disappointed because I prefer Romney’s beliefs to Obama’s beliefs,” Treadway said. “Obama wants to take away guns, and I disagree with him on abortion. Those are two big issues for me. I don’t think the Republicans and Democrats will be able to work together.”

Latasha Ward, 27, of Hanover, said she is concerned for her family who are primarily employed by the coal industry.

“We aren’t for Obama,” she said. “My entire family is against Obama. I think coal is over under Obama. All of my family will be out of a job. No one will have a job when he shuts all of the coal mines down.”

Crystal Slagle, 19, of Bluefield, said the future of the coal industry is also a major concern for her family following the election.

“Initially, I was a little upset when I found out the results,” she said. “I don’t agree with what Obama stands for. I don’t like that he is for gay marriage and is trying to promote natural gas over coal. My husband and I rely on coal for our income. I think our country is going to get more divide. Honestly, I don’t think we have a future under Obama.”

John Walker, 66, of Bluefield, said he didn’t favor either candidate, but he is glad to see the campaigning season is over.

“I think we can just expect more of the same,” Walker said. “I’m just glad the campaign is over. I’m not going to miss all of the ads on TV and all the lies. I’m actually looking forward to watching real commercials again.”

— Contact Kate Coil at kcoil@bdtonline.com�

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