Fall Survey Results

December 9, 2009 by Hecht Yes News

The results of the Fall Survey are in, and they are interesting. In addition to the data below, I received 198 comments from individuals. Of course, because the survey is submitted anonymously, I cannot respond to each of those comments individually, but rest assured I read every one of them. Here is what you said:

Select your top THREE issues.

Respondents had a number of “other” priorities they shared. The following are some reoccurring samples:

• ‘The preservation and advancement of gun owners’ rights.” and “Please support Right To Carry Firearms in Maryland.”
• “I am concerned about the proliferation of guns.” and “Hunting safety in increasing population density areas.”
• “More funding for state medical school program that pays new primary care doctors’ loans if they remain in Maryland.”
• “Clean energy”
• “Allow direct wine shipment to Maryland.”
• “Get the illegals out”
• “Equal Rights for all Citizens” and “Marriage equity”
• “City residents are essentially double-taxed. We need tax equity.” and “Stop municipal growth”
• “...do all in our power to support the programs that help the poor, the unemployed and underemployed.”
• “Stop layoffs and concentrate on raising revenue..”
• “Consider table games idea that will be voted on in Jefferson, WV..” and “No slots allowed in Frederick County.”

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STATE CONCERNS

Do you think cuts to Maryland’s K-12 grade public schools should also be considered as we balance our state budget?

Citizens had many comments on the funding of education issue including:

• “Core education should not be cut. Make the cuts in overhead.”
• “As a retired educator, I know how valuable education is. Education has been ‘off the table’ for the first two rounds of budget cuts—and it should have been. However, as we face round three, I think some modest cuts are appropriate.”
• “Further cuts to public education will hurt our country severely in the years to come.”
• “I think if the State is funding K-12 education the state should have a say in determining teachers and staff salaries and in turn pension and other benefits.”

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As of October 2009, “texting-while-driving” is against the law in Maryland. Should the state expand the ban to using a cell phone while driving?

Respondents added these thoughts:

• “How about a ‘distracting behavior’ law?”
• “In addition to a ban on texting-while-driving, another concern is headlights that need adjusting. ..could be made when emission testing is done..”
• “All forms of cell phone use should be banned in moving vehicles. Hands free units do not eliminate the distractions.”

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To address traffic congestion on I-270, would you support additional “managed” lanes that would be paid for by a driver toll which would vary throughout the day according to traffic density?

The respondents that commented on this question:

• “I support things that encourage people to use public transportation rather than just being about to pay more to drive alone.”
• “..the road should be expanded and open to everyone.”
• “I think instead of building more lanes, we need to take more drivers off the road. I think we should incentivize businesses that offer telecommuting..”
• “I do NOT support citizens pay gas taxes to build “Lexus” lanes so that the wealthy and businessmen can write off their ride.”

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Would you support additional I-270 lane construction if the new “managed” lanes were designated for transit buses and/or high occupancy vehicles (HOV) only?

The written comments were generally in favor of public transit, for example:

• “In regard to making more lanes on I-270 I would prefer that transportation money (is)put into a rapid rail line.”
• “Metro rail should come to Frederick.”
• “The State would be wise to focus its energies on mass transit and light rail rather than throwing down more asphalt.”
• “Any new lanes should be reserved for Public BUS or rail systems and no personal vehicles. Gas taxes should help pay for this.”

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Do you feel more financially secure than this time last year?

• “I personally do not feel more or less financially secure, but I feel generally less secure financially for our community and families and schools.

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Would you support increasing specific “sin” taxes (as tobacco, alcohol, sugared drinks) if the additional revenues went to programs for citizen with developmental disabilities?

Survey comments on "sin" taxes were mixed.

• "Sales and 'sin' taxes are regressive. New taxes should be progressive and income based.”
• “I am not against raising so-called sin tax on tobacco and alcohol, but I don’t see sugared drinks in the same category. I only drink one soda a day.”
• “I would support more taxes but add these to the general fund to help reduce the deficit rather than the proposed use.”
• “Raise the taxes on alcohol to the same rate as the rates for smokes or outlaw it all together. Smoking does not kill people when driving but drinking and driving can..”
• “We need to stop layoffs and concentrate on raising revenue, like the alcohol tax..”
• “Also consider $50/ounce tax on legal marijuana. Stop allowing the black market to thrive.”

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Do you think it is important for Maryland to continue purchasing property for parks and open space?

Many respondents had thoughts on this question including:

• “I don’t see purchasing park land as a priority, until we can maintain the parks we have.”
• “I think open space and parks are valuable uses of land, however, I think local govt or NGO’s should work toward securing the land rather than having the state pay for it.”
• “Need to get people their jobs back before worrying about additional park land.”
• “Yes we need more park space but this needs to be postponed until funds are available.”

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These comments are samples of additional state concerns:

• “You have seen have seen the turmoil in California over recent increases in tuition at state colleges and universities. That will be coming to MD soon.”
• “Will the state allow Frederick County to pollute the air, create CO2, and toxic waste ash from an ‘incinerator’ waste project?”
• “The state needs to cut spending drastically. Provide whatever tax relief to small business as possible.”
• “As a state employee, I have taken a hit in my wallet due to ‘furlough’ days. I think that our elected officials should lead us by setting a good example, and take some ‘furlough’ days as well.”

NOTE from Sue Hecht: I have voluntarily given back 10 days of pay for the current FY2010 fiscal year. I also gave back 5 days in second half of the FY2009 fiscal year when we started furloughing state workers. I agree that legislators should share in budget solutions if we are asking other state employee to take furlough days. I want people to keep their jobs!

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COUNTY CONCERNS

Do you support the BOCC’s request for state authority to institute a mandatory beverage container deposit and return system?

Comments from survey takers include:

• “I am tired of picking up people’s empty beer bottles & cans& soda cans from my yard all the time.”
• “If we are going to have mandatory beverage container deposit and return system; it needs to be statewide.”

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Do you support the BOCC’s request to create a mandatory recycling program that would apply to all municipalities in the county.

These are samples from the mandatory recycling proposal:

• “I am an avid recycler, by choice. I don’t think this can be legislated.”
• “I would love my office to be able to participate in recycling. But since businesses are exempt, I rinse out and take my recyclables home with me..”
• “Currently, none of Frederick’s condominium owners are provided pick up for recyclables—nor, it seems, are downtown businesses. No wonder we’re throwing away too much trash!”
• “Recycling costs more that its worth. Landfills are safer than they used to be.”

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Do you support the Frederick County Sheriff’s request that certain inmate fees be increased/established to help offset the county’s cost of incarceration for those inmates able to pay?

The comments on the inmate fees included:

• “Frederick County is spending a highly unnecessary amount of money trying to crackdown on illegal immigrants and I would prefer that funding be used to offset incarceration costs for ‘regular’ criminals rather than charging inmates..”
• “Those fees must be used for education of the inmates..GED, reading skills, consumer ed etc.”
• “I would support if inmate was paid back if they were found not guilty.”
• “Only the Sheriff has presented a viable alternative to our costs of incarcerating others for their actions.”
• “Making a profit from housing inmates creates more inmates. Not a good idea.”

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Do you support the BOCC’s request to incentivize recycling and reduce waste by establishing a “Pay-As-You-Throw” system where citizens are charged for the amount of waste picked up?

This question resulted in the most comments, especially surrounding a concern about managing illegal dumping:

• “’Pay as you throw’ leads to people dumping trash along roadsides and parks. Recycle is to be encourage not prevented.”
• “I support ‘Pay as you Throw’, but recognize when people pay, others dump in the woods.”
• “The ‘Pay As You Throw’ appears to be a chance for the government to grow in a way that the charges will not cover the expense..”
• “I know that occasionally I have so little trash, I hate to drag my trash can out for pick up and I throw my little bag in someone else’s can.”

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Additional thoughts shared by survey respondents include:

• “I believe the state should pass legislation that properly forces counties to compensate municipalities for services that are provided by those municipalities.”
• “More collaboration and a spirit of partnership between county and city.”
• “Both Frederick and Washington Counties should be chartered to deal with more of the issues that are as specific as these requests.”
• “No incinerator”
• “Thanks for asking my opinion!”

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