Casting A Vote In Turtle Bay...

In Turtle Bay, Republicans and Democrats have one thing in common—their concern for the economy. For owners and workers of both local and chain businesses, the candidates’ tax policies are how they are winning votes. The owners and high-end money makers are voting for McCain, and the workers favor Obama’s tax breaks.

Doron Sarrf, one of the concierges at the Double Tree Hotel is voting for McCain. “Obama will raise my taxes, and raising taxes doesn’t promote growth,” Sarrf says. Similarly, Wally Chin, owner of the high-end Chin Chin restaurant, says business has suffered 15 percent, but is still a believer in hard work. “Obama will force me to share my wealth," says Chin.  "I don’t want to share my wealth to those on welfare.”

Morgan, the hostess at a local pub, used to work on Wall Street and was laid off two weeks ago. Despite this, she doesn’t believe in free handouts. “I’m not voting for Obama because I like working hard and getting rewarded and I don’t like Obama’s taxes,” she says.

David Young works at Tobaldi Fine Jewelry, and is voting for Obama because his annual salary isn’t high enough to be taxed with Obama’s plan. Barrington Richards, a worker at a local deli on 50th street, is a Republican, but voting for Obama. “I don’t like Bush’s policies, and McCain is very similar to Bush” Richards says. Manfred Betances, the doorman at the Affinia 50 hotel, relies mostly on tips from guests. “The tourists have stayed the same, but Americans are tipping less and getting cheaper," says Betances.  "We just need a change to fix this economy.”

At the local Nino’s Positano Restaurant, there is conflict between two waiters and the managers. Two waiters at Nino’s Positano said they are voting for the Democratic ticket. “It is not a vote for Obama, it is just a vote against McCain and his same policies as Bush,” say Senad and Edmond. Johnny Gjekaj, the manager, thinks differently. “I’m voting for McCain simply because Obama is new and we cannot trust him," says Gjekaj.  "We do not know what Obama will do once he gets in office. At least with McCain, we are safe.”