Poll: Two-thirds say economy improving

CHICAGO, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Two-thirds of Illinois residents believe the U.S. economy will recover by the end of next year if not sooner, a Tribune/WGN poll indicated Sunday.

The survey also found that 61 percent of respondents say their financial standing is either the same or better than it was a year ago, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Songodina Ifatunji of Maywood, Ill., a university professor and a traditional African Ifa priest, told the newspaper he sees the bad economic news of the past two years changing.

"The flooring is now in place for recovery," said Ifatunji, 60. "It's just a matter of continued good management from here on out."

Deborah Sampson, 55, a resident of Salem, Ill., however, told the Tribune she doesn't think the economy will recover soon.

"My fears for the future are that things won't improve," said Sampson. "If we keep going down this path it's just going to be horrible for my child, and his children."

McArthur Robinson, 66, of Maywood, added, "I think down the line it's going to be better, but it's going to be a long time," he told the newspaper. "At least five or six years."

The Tribune did not provide methodology for the survey.