By CRAIG FREILICH

A better economy and more jobs top the 2011 “wish lists” of many people in the Greater Potsdam-Canton area.

That’s the conclusion of an unscientific, random survey that sought the opinion of a number of residents interviewed in both communities on a chilly afternoon last week.

Many said they hoped to see the economy in the North Country and the rest of the nation improve, and for more jobs to be available, if not for themselves, then for others in the community.

Sarah Eshelman of Potsdam said just that: “I would hope for the economy to be better, and for more people to have good jobs.”

Frank Keleher of Potsdam also wants to see “the economy get better. I’d like to see the government try to get some manufacturing back in this country. That’s how we’re going to get more jobs.”

Amanda Fisher of Colton also had the economy in mind when she said, “My hope is we can work on getting out of this deficit we’re in.”

“Less big government, and lower gas prices,” said Dorothy Owen of Rensselaer Falls.

Ryan Hayes, who works for St. Lawrence Gas, said he is looking forward to the company’s expansion. “I hope to see the pipeline built out into Franklin County,” he said. While the expansion proposal has general approval from government agencies, “it’s working its way through all the regulatory business,” and he hopes it doesn’t take very long or hit any snags.

Kathy Cook of South Colton says she, too, “would like to see a better economy for the people here. And I hope everybody has a good year next year.”

Dick Cook of Norwood wants to see progress in Washington on issues important to the American people, and to do that, he hopes “we’ll let President Obama be president and get passed all the great things he has in mind for this country.” He specifically mentioned the bill recently debated in Congress that would help the 9/11 first responders and their families with money for improved health care and disability support, since many of them have been sickened or died after exposure to the dust and debris at Ground Zero and around lower Manhattan.

Cook also said he had hope for peace in Iraq and Afghanistan. Cook said his son, who had been in military special forces and is now an FBI agent, had served three tours in Iraq.

Many people said they hope that the wars we are involved in end and service members come home.

Doris Cota of Pyrites hopes that “our soldiers can come home.” She said her son-in-law was injured during service in Iraq. “He’s fine now,” she said.

Barbara Lee of Canton and Nancy Mashaw of Russell each expressed their hopes in one word: “Peace.”

Sohaib Obeid of Potsdam said he wants “peace all over – ceasefire in all these hot areas.” He also had a more universal wish, “that all people’s dreams come true.”

“We hope any little kids in orphanages get a home,” said Christine LaMere of Madrid, and her six-year-old daughter Lily, adopted from China, agreed.

Rachel Browning of Hermon said she would like everyone “to encourage people to bring joy into other people’s lives.”

James Eshelman of Potsdam was looking beyond winter: “I look forward to another good summer, in the parks and swimming areas. I like to have fun with family.”