LYNN – Local residents and students were optimistic for a positive message from President Barack Obama during his prime-time State of the Union address Tuesday night.Concern over jobs, the unstable economy and healthcare were pressing issues on the minds of many.”I’m concerned with all of the above,” quipped Salem resident Sam Northrup. “To be honest, I’m a big fan of his, so I imagine he will speak with a little humor and I expect him to be optimistic as well.”With more than half of all Americans disapproving of the way Obama is handling the economy, the topic is weighing heavy on the populace.”I’m just hoping that he can do something with the economy, but he can’t do it alone,” said Jim Haddock, a construction worker from New Hampshire. “The government cannot create new jobs, only small businesses can. Hopefully he can at least inspire the American people to get out of the so-called recession, which is really more of a depression.”The president’s speech was expected to focus on federal spending for education, innovation and infrastructure as ways the government can support the country’s foundation, while helping businesses create jobs. Reducing the government’s debt, which is nearly $14 trillion, was also on the agenda, along with sprinklings of other proposals to create a more sound economy.The primary goal of the speech is for those watching it to emerge with more confidence about the economy and to have more clarity about Obama’s vision for it.Cody Piazza, a student at North Shore Community College, said he is hoping job creation will take center stage during the speech. With a goal of entering the world of computer science upon graduation, Piazza, 18, said he fears intense competition with not enough jobs to go around.”Generally, as a student, I’m concerned about jobs,” he said. “I’ve applied at several places, but haven’t been able to get one because I don’t have any experience yet.”Jeff Durkin, 19, also a student at NSCC, said he is concerned about healthcare coverage in the country.”I don’t agree with a lot of what’s going on right now,” he said. “In a capitalist society, there seems to be some socialist themes.”As far as the economy goes, the Lynnfield student said he believes the country is leaning toward an upward trend.Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.