The importance of this poll [Poll finds economy is Bay Area's top worry; Transportation, housing round out top three concerns] can be summed up by the following excerpt:

Given the mortgage crisis, the flood of foreclosures and soaring fuel prices, it is not surprising that the economy was rated the region's top problem, said Steve Levy, director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto.

"This (poll) says what's been on people's minds," he said, "and they've been inundated with stories about the economy, about the mortgage crisis and about foreclosures."

..."Expect to quickly go back to the usual concerns - transportation and housing," he said.

That combined with this poll, [81% in Poll Say Nation Is Headed on Wrong Track] should open up debate and help with messaging and framing that point to solutions that meet the needs, values and interests of working families.   Racial, gender and class based solutions are historically proven as effective, inspiring and ultimately in the service of the common good – whether it’s about housing, taxes, education, healthcare, the environment or any social justice issue.