US voters' views: Mary O'Neil

As Barack Obama marks one year since he was elected US president, we ask Republican and Democratic voters from across the US to reflect on his performance.

Mary O'Neil Training manager | Democrat

I feel thankful for every day that President Obama is in office

Age: 51 Lives: Denver, Colorado Occupation: Training manager Last election voted: Democrat In 10 words or less: Forward-looking, seeking balance, life-long learner, passionate volunteer US voters' views: main page

"During his first year in office, Barack Obama has faced down challenges and detractors by making significant gains with important legislation.

On the economy, the stimulus package dollars have created over 30,000 new jobs for federal contractors alone. This is a success.

My home state of Colorado heads the pack in jobs saved - nearly 4,700 in total. Again, a success.

I also applaud President Obama's work on the G20 summit, efforts to help families keep their homes and the legislation to protect US citizens from deceptive credit card practices.

For me the most important achievement of the Obama administration has been the effort to diminish the impact of poverty on families.

Up to $20bn was allocated for the federal food assistance programme for families and individuals meeting specific income and resource guidelines.

I am passionate about resolving poverty issues. I especially want to ensure that no child has to go to bed hungry. The fact that children are hungry now in the US is beyond the limits of comprehension and acceptability to me.

On healthcare, I fully support a public option. This is the time. We have waited patiently for the right person to be in office to enact this legislation.

We must provide health coverage to everyone. Good healthcare should not be for the privileged few. It is a basic human right.

I feel thankful for every day that President Obama is in office.

There is so much work to be done but I am certain that the administration can use every minute of the coming seven years to implement numerous plans that need to be put into place domestically.

I also know that he will continue to work on the international front to build relationships with our global partners."

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The readers' panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.

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