SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!

The response to our Survey was amazing. Over 300 of you took the time to complete the survey, and 100 of you wrote comments. Both these numbers are staggering; typically, a response of 2 – 3% is considered excellent. We hit over 4%. Thanks to everyone. Seems to me we hit a nerve…you want to be involved, and to let your voices be heard.

Now carry that enthusiasm to the polls on January 29, 2008.

1. Overall Rating

Fire/EMS received the highest positive ratings. 55 percent of all respondents said the city is handling Fire/EMS very well. Parks and other city services received the second most positive ratings, followed by the utilities department. The city’s handling of taxes received the highest negative ratings. More than one-third of all respondents said the city’s handling of taxes was headed in the wrong direction, tied with the redevelopment of downtown Hollywood. Nearly a third of all respondents said the city’s handling of the ethics of elected officials was headed in the wrong direction, the same number who said the city’s involvement with insurance was headed in the wrong direction.

Combining the response rates into one category each of positive and negative ratings gives us an even clearer view of how respondents perceive the city. Nearly three out of four respondents had a negative perception of the city’s handling of taxes and insurance, while nearly two out of three had a negative view of the ethics of the city’s elected officials. The negative perception of Hollywood’s downtown rated fourth highest overall with more than half of respondents responding negatively, while perceptions of beach development were more positive (58/40). Perceptions of how the city is handling crime prevention were evenly split (49 positive/48 negative).

2. Most Important Issues