Survey Says: AA Residents Say Economy is Biggest Issue

A survey of 510 Anne Arundel County residents conducted Oct. 15 to 18 found most oppose three of the most contentious ballot issues this election cycle (tuition, gambling and

At last! A reason to keep a land-line. A survey of 510 AA County residents gives insight into ballot initiatives, health programs and the election.

gay marriage). In addition, the survey said that the economy is at the forefront of issue worrying Anne Arundel County residents.

The survey was conducted by the Anne Arundel Community College’s (AACC) Center for the Study of Local Issues, helmed by Dr. Paul Nataf (PhD). AACC students conducted the survey by phone.

The polling continues a twice-a-year tradition by the center since 2007. It gauges residents views on a variety of local and national issues. This year, they included citizen’s views on public health, the presidential election, pet spaying and neutering programs and a number of ballot initiatives. Visit the website for a full PDF download of the survey results.

Perceptions of County Economic Conditions:

When asked about the state of the economic conditions in the county, 48 percent rated them as faring very well (excellent + good). That is down from the spring of 2012, but flat since 2011. The highest rating was spring 2007 (71 percent). The lowest was spring 2010 (44 percent).

In terms of personal circumstances, there was a slight dip in several categories:

• 38 percent now say they have postponed a major buying decision, while 45 percent said so in the spring of this year
• 59 percent said that wages and salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living; Last year that number was at an all time high (66 percent).
• 11 percent lost money in their stock or retirement accounts this time around, compared to the all time high of 75 percent in spring 2009.

Presidential politics

In the presidential vote, neither candidate topped 50 percent, meaning the race is still in play, although Mitt Romney (R) holds a five-point lead, 47 to 42 percent. Seven percent were undecided while one percent will vote for another candidate (the rest did not answer).

Ballot initiatives and Questions

On the ballot initiatives, table games and a sixth casino had the strongest opposition, while marriage rights for gays is within the margin of error. Not a lot of support for County Executive if he is convicted of crimes during his/her tenure, with 73 percent supporting a ballot initiative that would allow the County Council to remove a person from office who is convicted of a crime. Here’s how those numbers played out:

The survey generally asked if the county is headed in the right or the wrong direction. It looks that a long downward trend might be leveling off—or maybe even inching into positive territory.

Right Direction/Wrong Direction Fall 2012

Spay/Neuter Programs

Finally, although 63 percent of respondents (in a previous question) felt that taxes were too high for the government services provided, a surprising 71 percent of respondents said that they would support a program to subsidize low-cost spay and neuter programs for low-income pet owners. Pet owners were more likely to support (77 percent) than non-pet owners (62 percent).

Health Citizens

The survey also asked about public health and the best way to maintain and achieve a healthy weight. These were open ended questions, with a majority of respondents answers fitting into about nine categories: exercise, food quality, education programs, portion control, general dieting, creating and providing less expensive gym facilities, school-related actions and other proposals. Five percent said the topic is not a concern for government.

A second health question asked about ways that the Anne Arundel County Department of Health could work with disadvantaged groups to improve health outcomes. These responses fell into four categories:

1. improving access to health care resources (clinics, pro-bono physicians, free immunizations and wellness/preventive care, expanded Medicaid);
2. education and outreach programs or efforts (through charities, schools, churches) that improve citizens’ awareness of healthy choices;
3. providing more and lower cost access to venues for exercising (parks, gyms, transportation); and
4. structuring programs for the poor to reward healthy lifestyles (e.g., using food stamps and Medicaid to reinforce healthy choices)

Methodology and Profile of Poll Respondents

The surveys were conducted by phone from a database of listed land-line numbers. The gender of respondents was weighted 50 percent male/female. The statistical margin of error was plus or minus 4.3 percent. Other factors about the survey respondents:

Ten percent of participants were from South County:

Marital status of poll respondents:

• 70 percent married
• 12 percent single
• 8 percent separated or divorced
• 10 percent widowed

Racial self-description of poll respondents:

• 83 percent white
• 10 percent African American
• 2 percent Hispanic
• 2 percent Asian
• 2 percent “other”

Religious affiliation of poll respondents:

• 31 percent Catholic
• 24 percent protestant
• 16 percent agnostic/atheist/non-practicing
• 14 percent Evangelical/born-again
• 5 percent “other” Christian (Mormon)
• 3 percent are spiritual with no organized religion
• 3 percent Hindu or Muslim
• 2 percent Jewish
• 3 percent no answer

Annual household income of poll respondents:

• 8 percent less than $30K
• 7 percent $30K to $50K
• 15 percent $50K to $75K
• 16 percent $75K to $100K
• 18 percent $100K to $150K
• 13 percent $150K to $250K
• 5 percent $250K and over
• 17 percent no answer

Again, visit the website for a full PDF download of the survey results or click around for other polls and information about our local area.