As Election Day draws near, the candidates are making their final push for votes. Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) visited Greenfield Thursday to talk with residents. But, many told him the issues they care about the most are not being addressed.

"I think Veterans' housing is one thing I'd like to see streamlined, and also V.A. Healthcare," said Bill Phelps, a Greenfield resident and Vietnam Veteran. Joining Sen. Kerry on his walking tour of downtown Greenfield, he stopped at the town's Vietnam Memorial to ask the senator to help other veterans and seniors state-wide.

"People are losing thousands of dollars a day out of their retirement funds, and I'd like to see something done right away," Phelps said.

Sen. Kerry walked with Greenfield Mayor Christine Forgey to Wilsons Department store, the Greenfield Fire Department, and Greenfield Community College, where the issue of education is on a lot of minds.

"Here in Massachusetts, the public education system continues to fall behind year by year in comparison to the rest of the nation," said Bob Pura, President of Greenfield Community College.

Sen. Kerry says there is a solution.

"We need some money here. We need to create some jobs. And, we need to help the education system, particularly," Kerry said.

But, with purse-strings tightening everywhere from Wall Street down to Main Street in Greenfield, many residents say finding that money is becoming difficult.

"All up and down Main Street and High Street, it's empty. Instead of businesses coming in, we have businesses leaving, and we need to change that," said Geana Dean, a Greenfield resident.

Sen. Kerry said every town in the state is facing the same financial problems. But, he said extra dollars for assistance to small businesses and home energy costs will be coming soon.

"We're all hard-workers here. We're all Pioneer Valley Puritans. We want to work, but we need the money for the investment," Dean said.