Things are tough these days. People are worried about what's not in their wallets and what's going in their gas tanks. People are living in homes that are worth less than what they paid for them. Presidential candidates promise a lot but are getting bogged down by the little things.

People are scared. They're being asked to do more with less. A reporter turned Hollywood TV writer/producer I respect once said that you never do more with less. You do less with less.

That's just the way it is.

It is with this in mind that the Star has decided to reach out to our readers and ask a simple question:

"What's going on?"

Really. We want to know. A hometown newspaper is a living document that should reflect the lives of its readers. This has never been more important than now. As you flip through these pages every week you see coverage of sports, politics, schools, religion, and day-to-day life in Seekonk. We're hoping you have something to add.

We're looking for community columnists, amateur photographers, poets, people who like to argue, teenagers who have something to say about their peers and parents, you name it. Your contributions don't have to fit the traditional newspaper mold. As long as it's true, as long as it comes from the heart and opens the paper up to the soul of Seekonk, we'll take it. That could be anything from pictures of your family reunion, an essay about a neighbor who makes your life better, or a recipe for fried fish that's been in your family for years.

We'll take it.

We want to publish your observations on what's good and bad in this town. We want to know what's on your mind and, especially, we want to know what you think should be filling these pages.

When times are tough - and they're only going to get tougher - people need to come together. We're hoping the Star can be that place for you.

Call editor Victor Paul Alvarez at 434-7210, ext. 102 to join the team.