I lived in South Point most of my life. I moved to Kentucky 13 years ago to work.

I have been watching and waiting for years for the economy to turn around in the Southeastern Ohio area so I could come back home.

I work in the steel industry and have seen announcement after announcement by Governor Strickland about things in other parts of the state.

Why does it appear that nothing is being done for this area of the state? I know there were plans for a large steel mill in the Haverhill area but that appears to have fell through.

This area was economically depressed way before the downturn of 2008 and yet it appears little attention is given.

If it weren’t for Ashland and Huntington, we’d be in serious trouble. This is a wonderful area, Lawrence County and South Point used to be such good places to live.

I visit my family a few times a year and it is so sad what is happening to our younger people there. I believe it stems from the fact that they don’t see much hope for the future.

I had to get out. I worked fast food for seven years and it was clear that there wasn’t many other options for gainful employment.

If I could not come home, I would like to see signs of improvement for my friends and family who still live in the area.

Tresea Alexander

Hopkinsville, Ky.