PEOPLE

Now that Bill Clinton is officially in the White House, the Southeast Missourian asked people what they thought his first order of business as president should be.

Michael Crain said, "Right now one topic is abortion and abortion clinics and how to deal with them. I think he was also left a mess in the Persian Gulf and I don't know how he's going to handle it. For a first time president, Clinton has a big job ahead of him."

Juanita Criddle said, "I think he ought to take care of the government and the economy. He also needs to take care of the deficit. I'm not against helping other people but we have problems at home that should be taken care of first. It was one of his promises."

Gerri Dudley said, "I believe Clinton should take care of the overseas conflict and get that out of the way. Every time there is any kind of battle where we have to send people it just puts our economy further behind. I think he should take care of that first."

Matt Creasy said, "If Clinton keeps any of his promises, I hope it will be the one he made about cutting the national deficit in half during his term. I think that would be one that really needs to be kept. I don't remember all of his promises but I hope he tries to keep some of them."

Harvey Criddle said, "Unemployment is the big issue. My key concern is the economy and new jobs in the United States and Southeast Missouri. Our deficit has a lot to do with it too. If he can control that I think everything else would be possible."

Norberto Velez said, "Clinton should first deal with the deficit and the economy. He also needs to find a way to put the government to work for the people. It needs to be a government that comes to the people, not at the people."