Influentials weigh in on Obama

By Jon Moffett

The two friends were at the inauguration.

YOUNGSTOWN — A Youngstown businessman and an NFL legend joined the more than 1 million people who attended Tuesday’s inauguration ceremonies.

Bruce Zoldan, chief executive officer of B.J. Alan Co., and Jim Brown, former Cleveland Brown and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, were present for the ceremony.

Brown, who said his family is close with the Zoldans, said the events of the day would remain among his “greatest memories.”

“From the standpoint of America, it’s one of the greatest days,” Brown said.

“And to me, it doesn’t have a lot to do with race. This young man possesses qualities that are human qualities. I think we shouldn’t lose track of him as an individual.”

Zoldan called the event “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“To be with a diversity of people from all walks of life, to experience the feeling of being at the inauguration of the first African-American president, I’m certainly happy. America has progressed,” he said.

Brown added that Obama begins his presidency in a tough spot but was chosen for his abilities.

“It’s unfortunate that the last eight years have been so bad,” Brown said. “We have an economy in total disarray. People are losing their homes; people are losing their jobs. ... It’s unfortunate because it casts a shadow [on Obama’s presidency] ... but America stood up when they found a man who could lead them through these tough times.”