Chester residents enthused to see president in town
CHESTER » As the presidential motorcade wound its way through the city streets, many didn’t mind the inconveniences of blocked-off streets and fenced sidewalks - and in fact, many welcomed Joe Biden and the recognition his visit brought.
For 46 years, or all his life, Elijah Foster has lived directly across from Smith Flooring, the first stop Biden was making on his “Help Is Here” tour to tout the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan package designed to send money into the hands of individuals and small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
“It was kind of a big deal because I’ve been watching them set up since about Thursday or Friday and wondering what all of these cars were doing,” Foster said.
Although the Get the Gaff apparel designer had skipped a fishing trip because of the weather, he found himself witnessing the motorcade rolling down his street Tuesday afternoon as he, his 2-yearold nephew Gary and other family members stood on their porch. He himself said he caught a glimpse of the president in his vehicle as it rode by.
“It’s sort of surreal because it’s right on my doorstep and that they would pick this street in this small town to come and I guess honor a Black business,” Foster said.
The resident
said
he was willing to give Biden a chance “to get some stuff done” and said he believed the American Rescue Plan would have impact in Chester.
“I’m sure it will help a lot of people in the community,” Foster said. “I see a lot of people relying on and waiting and leaning on that extra help from the government. Everybody needs a little pick-up in the times that we are in with the pandemic. So, you know, every little bit helps. Every little bit helps.”
Next door, Joyce Samuel, 66, also had a front row seat to the Biden Chester visit Tuesday.
“It was a beautiful thing,” she said, “because he’s thinking about this small little city and it’s a good thing that somebody care about us.”
Samuel said she grew up in the city and highlighted the good that’s there.
“Chester - no matter what people say about us - it’s still a good city,” Samuel said. “It’s still good people here and there’s still people trying to do good things with us. I know they take time but it’s something that’s happening.”
One thing she said she’d like is a vaccine dose.
“I just wish we could get more access to the vaccine,” Samuel said. “That’s the main thing, it is.”
In the meantime, she gave President Biden a thumbs up - so far - especially since he put Chester on his map.
“I think he’s doing his job,” Samuel said. “He’s got a lot to do but hey, it’s a start, you know? At least he’s trying.”