SAN DIEGO, CA –The San Diego Institute for Policy Research (SDI) released additional findings in its on-going research efforts. The "Barometer of San Diegans Opinions," is a bi-monthly assessment of San Diegans’ opinions on a range of civic and economic issues, conducted by Competitive Edge Research.
"The findings released today show that San Diegans support strengthening the Mayor’s hand so aggressive action can be taken to address the City’s challenges." said Steve Francis, Founder and Chairman of SDI.
The poll, conducted from January 3-6 among 503 randomly selected adults within the City of San Diego, asked a range of questions. The findings released today show that most San Diegans favor disposing of prime city real estate, such as Montgomery Field and the Sports Arena, as the first step toward addressing the City’s fiscal crisis. There is little support for making drastic cuts to City services. More than 58% of San Diegans choose selling off prime city assets like Montgomery Field and the Sports Arena as either their first or second policy option when it comes to dealing with the City’s challenges. Forty-two percent feel increased taxes and fees should be considered. Though 27% put dramatic cuts to City Services in their top two choices and 25% believe bankruptcy should be considered, even more residents rule those two options out entirely.
"The recent efforts of the City’s Real Estate Assets Department are consistent with the opinions of the public," added Francis. "Indeed, our findings indicate that in this respect, the more the better. We put forward large and well known assets like Montgomery and the Sports Arena to gauge the public’s appetite and willingness to make hard choices. San Diegans are saying they are ready to embrace aggressive action," he added.
The SDI/Competitive Edge Barometer also found majority support for making the "Strong Mayor" form of government permanent (52%) and for making overriding the Mayor’s veto more difficult (52%).
When it comes to local concerns, the current climate has San Diegans considering a plethora of important issues. At the top of the list -- perhaps surprising no one – are the City’s budget and finance issues. But what is surprising is that, relative to views over the past two years, less than one-in-five voters cite the budget as their top issue. A couple more surprises: the crime and security issue comes in second at a robust 14% and public safety cutbacks now appear on the list of top concerns at 5%.
During the rest of January SDI will be releasing the poll’s findings, as they are analyzed, on the views of San Diegans concerning Wal-Mart (January 22) and on retirement planning and how the City’s pension system should be structured (February 1).
The San Diego Institute for Policy Research (SDI) is a non-partisan organization whose goal is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector throughout San Diego County. Established in 2006, SDI will produce high quality policy research papers, economic bulletins, opinion barometers (with polling partner Competitive Edge Research) and major events and symposiums to help generate constructive debate and discussion amongst San Diego’s decision makers and citizens alike.
Competitive Edge Research & Communication is San Diego County’s premier polling firm. Established in 1987, the firm provides insight and strategic advice to clients across the state and across the country. Among its many endeavors, the firm conducts its annual Super Bowl poll to determine the big game’s effect on the host city. Competitive Edge is proud to be affiliated with SDI in this effort to provide San Diegans with a reliable barometer of public opinion.
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