John

John, 53, is a Town of Union councilman in Endicott, N.Y. He's a lifelong resident of the industrial town and he's witnessed the devastating affects of IBM and Endicott Johnson downsizing, laying off more than half of the area workforce in his community. John has changed careers many times to manage during the job crisis. In fact, he and his wife own and manage five businesses together in their town.

My Story
I've lived in the Town of Union, population 60,000, in upstate New York all of my life. I now have the privilege of serving the community as a Town of Union councilman. Within the town are two villages, Endicott and Johnson City, where over 25,000 people live and work. The Town of Union is the birthplace of IBM and Endicott Johnson as well as many other internationally recognized industries. I've watched my community go through losing 15,000 jobs. Today, IBM only employs 1,500 people combined.

My father worked for IBM all of his life and my wife worked there for 20 years before she quit to start her own massage therapy business. Growing up and living in a community that was a leader in industry and virtually started the technology age makes it all the more difficult to come to terms with the dramatic impact the job crisis is having on my community.

For me personally, the biggest struggle has been one of identity. I identify myself by what I do, an insurance man, a coffee shop owner, a politician or retail store salesman. I've had to wear so many hats to stay afloat that it's been a struggle to find my identity at times. The frequency of change and the struggle can be overwhelming. My wife and I separated due to the stress of managing five businesses together. The anxiety, fear, uncertainty and identity issues were a constant strain on our relationship. My four siblings, Town of Union residents, have similar stories about jobs, lost careers and personal stress.

If I had the opportunity to send a message to the current administration, it would be quite simple. Remember that individuals make America great, not big business. The middle class produces the products that make our economy strong, not large corporations. The educated masses dream of a better world and make it so through their hard work and determination, not the wealthy upper class. If the "American Dream" is to continue, opportunities must be made available to everyone, not just the wealthy. For the economy to grow, tax benefits must include everyone, not just corporate giants. If Americans are to continue to lead the world, workers who built this country will need jobs opportunities allowing them to raise their families in a country they can be proud of.