October 15th - Kristie Haun

Krisite Haun believes the 2008 election has become a referendum on the candidate who can lead America out of the recent economic downturn and show Americans how to live within their means.

“We are giving $700 billion to the fat cats so they can have more luxury items,” said Haun of Cleveland, Tennessee. “What about the people trying to make mortgage payments, paying for health care and trying to take care of their kids.”

Kristie Haun of Cleveland, Tn at Ed's Cycles on October 15th, 2008

Haun, who left her job as a full-time mother two years ago to work at the family Yamaha Motorcycle dealership, Ed’s Cycles, says that she and her husband have already made small sacrifices in order to make it through the recent economic downturn.

“I cut off the caller ID and the call waiting. Now, I don’t know if I could get rid of the cell phone quite yet, but we all need to make sacrifices,” Haun said. “It’s not easy for us right now, people just aren’t buying motorcycles. It’s just not in the cards.”

According to Haun her husband is the owner of a local car dealership and he has also seen a decrease in customers the past few months, mostly due to high gas prices, further complicating their financial difficulties. But Haun says the problem is a larger culture issue that often starts at home.

“My daughter wanted a pedicure, and they cost $30. She had $20. I told her that she should save her money instead of spending it on her feet. You never know when you’ll need it for food,” Haun said.

“I didn’t get a pedicure until I was married!” Haun added.

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