On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States in an inaugural celebration in the nation’s capital, in front of the United States Capitol. The Vineyard Gazette went to the Island’s streets and shops Tuesday, a week before the national event, to ask Vineyarders what they would say to the new President, if they had a moment with him.

Elmore (Buddy) Davey Mayhew, 77, of Chilmark, was visiting Menemsha Texaco. “I’d wish him good luck. He is going to need it. I know there is a lot working against him, but I think he can still do something.

“And that is from a Chilmarker,” Mr. Mayhew said. “I remember when Chilmark used to be a Republican town, and there was but one Democrat.”

Lev Wlodyka of Chilmark came into the Island’s outermost gas station for a quick visit. To the new president, Mr. Wlodyka said he extends an invitation: “Come fishing with me, and we will talk about the state of the economy.”

Calling for better fisheries management, Mr. Wlodyka said: “More power to the pogie.” He was referring to the bait fish known as menhaden.

Carl Crocker, cashier at Menemsha Texaco, didn’t vote for the incoming president. He didn’t vote for John McCain. “I feel bad for any kid aspiring to be President of the United States. It is almost thankless. I’d prefer a parliamentary system, not the two-party system like we have.

“More power to him. I really can’t think of any people who would want that job.” Mr. Crocker said.

Robyn Gurney had just picked up her mail at the Oak Bluffs post office with her four-year-old son, Sam. “I hope he will re-invest in the future, in our children. Education is huge. Education is a huge issue for our country. Our country needs to be developing good thinkers,” she said.

“Come to the Vineyard!” said Holly Alaimo of Oak Bluffs, who runs an art gallery in the Oak Bluffs arts district. She and her husband, John, were walking close together on a cold breezy afternoon. “We are really happy,” Mrs. Alaimo said.

“Right on!” said Mr. Alaimo.

Sue Mitchell of Vineyard Haven was seated for lunch at Linda Jean’s, a Circuit avenue restaurant. “I was sold on him becoming President when I read his speech that was given at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. It was a great speech, just on the merit of the words. I didn’t hear it. I read it.

“That was it for me. I am glad he is going to be running the country. I trust him so much. What he decides, it will be okay.”

David Billings runs the store Cottage City Outdoor Power Equipment on Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs. If he had a moment with the new President, Mr. Billings said he would offer this: “I hope he will support the second amendment, the right to bear arms. Knowing that he is anti-gun, I hope he will be more receptive to pro gun enthusiasts.”

Gus Ben David, who runs World of Reptiles and Bird Park in Edgartown, said: “I haven’t seen a man with as much compassion for all human beings as I’ve seen in this president. I think he is a good compassionate person. We have needed someone like him for a long time. I’ve not seen this kind of openness. I’ve not seen this kind of optimism. I see a chance of his bringing the two parties together, making this great country the place that it is.”

Seventy-four year old Walter Reimon of Edgartown was pumping gasoline at the Edgartown Mobil. “I hope things go well for him in this country. That is all I want to say. Happy New Year.”