After months of questions, South Coast residents will join the rest of America tonight to wait for the answers.

McCain? Obama?

Smith? Merkley?

Yes? No?

Though the top of the ticket commands most of the attention from national news media and online pundits, local voters have a variety of issues on their minds.

Susan Sandperl of Langlois is concerned about an Oregon ballot measure that would tie teacher pay to classroom performance. She thinks teachers “always get the short end of the stick.”

Colleen Rayburn of Coos Bay has been watching with dismay as Gordon Smith and Jeff Merkley battle for a U.S. Senate seat.

“The campaign was very dirty on both sides,” she said.

Local tax measures also are attracting attention, including a nearly $60 million bond issue proposed for Coos Bay schools.

Evalyn Johnson of Coos Bay hopes it passes: “I feel like our educational system needs to be supported for our youth, our future.”

So does Joyce Chalmer: “I hate the idea of my daughter going to a school, when she’s old enough, that’s falling down.”

Chalmer also supports tax levies for Coos County law enforcement and public health. “We need ’em,” she said.

But Shirley Hair of North Bend speaks for a big segment of voters who are skeptical of any tax increase.

“People are afraid right now with their money,” she said. “For one thing, people don’t want to pay heavy taxes on their property. I pay plenty.”

The big question, of course, is the race for the White House. Sandperl will be watching tonight’s election returns with intense interest.

“I think it’s an exciting thing no matter who wins,” she said. “It will change things either way.”