By Laura Bonawits, Contributing Writer
A public opinion poll released Monday shows that Philadelphia residents are only mildly less impressed with the performance of their city government.
Conducted and released by the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Research Initiative, the poll gauged city residents’ opinions on areas ranging from the mood of city, impact of the economy, city council to Mayor Nutter. Responses were categorized according to income, education, where in the city they live, family size and race.
Evaluations of Mayor Nutter’s job in office slipped only slightly since last year, with 52% approving of his job in office; last year 53 percent approved. Despite the small decrease, the number stands much better versus 2009 when only 47 percent approved of the mayor. Though not much year-to-year change was seen in his approvals, it was his disapproval that swelled. Thirty-seven percent of residents said they disapproved of Mayor Nutter’s job, up from 32 percent in 2010.
When broken down to demographics, the mayor gets low marks among African Americans. With more disapproving (47 percent), 42 percent of African Americans approve. On the other hand, Mayor Nutter’s job performance goes over better with whites and Hispanics. A whopping 62 percent of whites approve, with only 25 percent disapproval. Responses from Hispanics are similar; 56 percent approve and 27 percent disapprove.
As for city council, the difference in numbers reflects those of Mayor Nutter’s. Down three percent from 2010, 39 percent approve of the city council and 42 percent disapprove, making it the highest disapproval rating in the past three years.
The poll also suggested mixed feelings about tax dollars and services. At 44 percent, only one percent more of Philadelphians desire fewer city services if it means lower taxes; 43 percent would prefer more services in exchange for higher taxes.
The fluctuation in responses may tie in with the economic situations of Philadelphia residents. Though the state of the economy is brighter than a couple years back, 52 percent responded that at least one person in their family was unemployed and seeking work, compared to 49 percent in 2010.
One Response
Someone please explain to this reporter how margins of error work and what statistical significance means.