# Data from a regional survey in the greater Kansas City area of 800 registered voters, conducted January 17-19, 2010.

Transcription

1 #10031 Data from a regional survey in the greater Kansas City area of 800 registered voters, conducted January 17-19, 2010.

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3 Regionally, economic issues are cited as voters top concern. What would you say is the most important problem facing the greater Kansas City area today, that is, the one that you, yourself, are most concerned about? KS (40%) MO (60%) Economic Crime Education State/Local Gov Growth/Trans 33% 35% 17% 11% 12% 17% 11% 10% 11% 8% Taxes Health Issues 3

4 Not surprisingly, the mood of voters in the region is mixed, with residents of the Kansas side more optimistic than those in Missouri. Generally speaking, would you say that things in the greater Kansas City area are going in the right direction, or have they pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track? Total By State Right Direction Wrong Track Right Direction Wrong Track Right Direction Wrong Track Right Direction Wrong Track 4

5 Voters who are positive about the region offer less than glowing assessments. Why do you believe that things in the greater KC area are headed in the right direction? I live in Wyandotte County, and we are moving forward. We are getting to be not a small town, we are expanding. (Wyandotte) I believe I see progress, speaking for Clay County...I see schools, I see progress on the roads, new construction as far as real estate. Many businesses in the area. (Clay) 5

6 Voters who are positive about the region offer less than glowing assessments. Why do you believe that things in the greater KC area are headed in the right direction? We haven't had it as bad around here as the rest of the country has. We are surviving pretty well. We are diversified in this area. (Jackson) I think things could be worse around here. I don't think it's as bad as it could be. (Jackson) 6

7 While those who are negative are very pointed in their comments, usually focusing on the problems in Kansas City, Missouri. Why do you believe that things in the greater KC area are off on the wrong track? Crimes and gangs have gotten out of hand... I don t like hearing about someone getting shot or drive-bys. (Jackson) They are always on the wrong track. I believe there is so much bickering going on all the time, the school board and the city council, all those sort of things. (Jackson) 7

8 While those who are negative are very pointed in their comments, usually focusing on the problems in Kansas City, Missouri. Why do you believe that things in the greater KC area are off on the wrong track? Just a lack of cooperation between Kansas and Missouri on major projects. (Johnson) Well I just think that especially the biggest city in the area, they can't get their act together on actually governing. The mayor and city council bickering amongst themselves can't take care of the citizens. It's a sad sight. It's sad for our image in the country. (Jackson) 8

9 While those who are negative are very pointed in their comments, usually focusing on the problems in Kansas City, Missouri. Why do you believe that things in the greater KC area are off on the wrong track? Wake up, grow up, pay attention and do something that is beneficial to the city and people. (Wyandotte) There are a lot of negative views in the Kansas City school system, and we spend more money on each child than any city in the world. They're not learning the basic math and history and we're just wasting our money. (Clay) 9

10 While those who are negative are very pointed in their comments, usually focusing on the problems in Kansas City, Missouri. Why do you believe that things in the greater KC area are off on the wrong track? Because it's fragmented between Kansas, Wyandotte, Johnson. Northland, Southland. (Jackson) Because, where we live our taxes don't do anything except get higher. And, we don't get anything for it... We don't have sewer lines, curbs, or gutters. We have a very high crime rate. (Wyandotte) I think that it starts at the top, and Kansas City Missouri City Hall. Reading about the news that happened in City Hall is like a situation comedy but not funny. (Jackson) 10

11 When voters are asked to assess what makes the Kansas City area a good place to live Now, I d like to read you a list of things that some people say make the Kansas City area a good place to live, and please tell me whether each one is a very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative or very negative thing about the greater Kansas City area.

12 Midwestern values, ability to get around easily by car and the quality of the area s arts and cultural amenities top the list. The Midwestern values of the people living here The ability to get around the area easily by car The quality of the area s arts and cultural amenities The quality of higher education The leadership of the area s business community Pos Neg Pos Neg Pos Neg Pos Neg Pos Neg 12

13 While greater Kansas City area voters believe the area is keeping pace with Des Moines, Omaha, and Oklahoma City Generally speaking, do you believe that the greater Kansas City area is moving ahead of other Midwestern cities like Des Moines, Omaha and Oklahoma City, is it falling behind those cities, or is it keeping pace with them? Moving Ahead Keeping Pace Falling Behind 13

14 There is a strong sense that the area is falling behind cities like Indianapolis, Denver, and St. Louis. Now, generally speaking, do you believe that the greater Kansas City area is moving ahead of other Midwestern cities like Indianapolis, Denver and St. Louis, is it falling behind those cities, or is it keeping pace with them? Moving Ahead Keeping Pace Falling Behind 14

15 When asked how much each of the following is holding the greater Kansas City area back from reaching its full potential Now, I d like to read you a list of things that some people say are holding the Kansas City area back, keeping it from reaching its full potential, and please tell me whether you believe each one is holding the KC area back a great deal, some, only a little or not at all...

16 The area s sports teams The ability to get around the area easily by car The area s crime rate The level of local taxes The level of cooperation among political leaders The level of competition between communities across the state line

17 The quality of the region s political leadership The Midwestern values of the people living here The quality of Pre-K to 12th grade schools The quality of higher education The leadership of the area s business community The quality of the area s arts and cultural amenities

18 The area s crime rate, the lack of cooperation among political leaders, and the quality of the region s political leadership top the list. The area s crime rate The level of cooperation among political leaders The quality of the region s political leadership Great Deal/Some Great Deal/Some Great Deal/Some 18

19 And, concern about those three issues cuts across the state line. The area s crime rate The level of cooperation among political leaders The quality of the region s political leadership By State By State By State Great Deal/ Some Great Deal/ Some Great Deal/ Some Great Deal/ Some Great Deal/ Some Great Deal/ Some 19

20 The reasons residents feel the area is falling behind are focused on leadership and cooperation. And, what do you believe is the main reason why you believe the Kansas City area is falling behind those other cities? The cooperation between the politicians. Everybody has their own private agenda, nobody will work together. (Clay) Kansas City and Missouri politics, it seems like we can't get anything done because they're always fighting. There is no cooperation amongst themselves. (Johnson) 20

21 The reasons residents feel the area is falling behind are focused on leadership and cooperation. And, what do you believe is the main reason why you believe the Kansas City area is falling behind those other cities? Because of the lack of cooperation between the political leaders and the civic and business community, the lack of a shared vision and the will to make change. (Jackson) I think they have more of a community plan, more of an idea what direction they want to go in with their city. (Jackson) 21

22 The reasons residents feel the area is falling behind are focused on leadership and cooperation. And, what do you believe is the main reason why you believe the Kansas City area is falling behind those other cities? Leadership. City council. State representation. You name it. Our leaders have fallen down on the job. Our education, our high taxes. It didn't used to be like this. (Jackson) I really wish someone in power would step up and take responsibility by themselves, instead of blaming others. (Johnson) 22

23 The reasons residents feel the area is falling behind are focused on leadership and cooperation. And, what do you believe is the main reason why you believe the Kansas City area is falling behind those other cities? Being between state lines we can never get things accomplished. (Johnson) The Kansas City leaders are not doing good. We're not in Kansas City because of that, we're just in the county... I run a business and it's hard to run it through state lines. It's a pain in the butt for taxes. (Platte) 23

24 The reasons residents feel the area is falling behind are focused on leadership and cooperation. And, what do you believe is the main reason why you believe the Kansas City area is falling behind those other cities? If you go downtown you got all the problems there. They're all squabbling and they can't get along, so they can't get anything done...they like to be on the news every night suing each other wanting to fire each other. (Jackson) Reading about the news that happened in city hall is like a situation comedy, but not funny. (Jackson) 24

25 When voters are asked who could have the greatest impact on improving the quality of life in the region Now, many different organizations and groups can have an impact on improving a community s quality of life... which ONE of the following would you say has the greatest impact on improving the quality of life in the greater Kansas City area. Is it And, which do you believe has the NEXT greatest impact on improving the quality of life in the Greater Kansas City area?

26 Voters on both sides of the state line look toward the business community. Combined Choices MO (60%) KS (40%) Business community Church/Religious groups Elected officials Civic organizations Arts/Cultural Organizations Area s news media First Choice = 31% First Choice = 24% First Choice = 16% 50% 55% 40% 37% 38% 31% 28% 33% 19% 21% 16% 12% 26

27 Kansas City area voters top goals for the area? Now, I d like to read you a list of goals that some people have suggested setting for the greater Kansas City area, and please tell me whether you believe each one of these goals would be an extremely important, very important, somewhat important or not all that important goal to set for the greater Kansas City area...

28 Increased population growth Increased economic development and job growth Improved arts and cultural amenities Improved Pre-K to 12th grade schools Improved access to and quality of health care Improved public transportation systems

29 Improved cooperation by business leaders Improved cooperation by political leaders Improved higher education Lowering the crime rate Improved access to and quality of health care Improved energy conservation and greenfriendly development

30 Voters top goals include economic development, lowering the crime rate, improved schools, and improved cooperation by political leaders. Please tell me whether you believe each one of these goals would be an extremely important, very important, somewhat important or not all that important goal to set for the greater Kansas City area... Increased economic development and job growth % Extremely / Very Important Lowering the crime rate Improved Pre-K to 12th grade schools Improved cooperation by political leaders 30

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32 While voters believe that regional cooperation by the area s political and business community leadership is important for the Kansas City area to reach its full potential... How important do you believe regional cooperation by the area s political leaders/leaders of the area s business community is in order to help the Kansas City area reach its full potential? Political Leaders Business Leaders Important Not Important Important Not Important 32

33 Few of the region s voters believe the region s political or business leadership are doing a good job of getting along and working together on projects. How well do you believe the region's political leadership/leadership of the region s business community gets along and works together on projects or initiatives? Political Leaders Business Leaders Excel./Good Job Fair/Poor Job Excel./Good Job Fair/Poor Job 33

34 Area voters believe this type of cooperation is important because And, what are the main reasons why you believe that regional cooperation by the area s political leaders/business leaders is (extremely/very) important to help Kansas City reach its full potential? Political Leaders We're a bi-state economy and community and leadership, that one needs strong leadership. We are a small metropolitan area and without working together, nothing is going to happen. To provide a common goal that would benefit all the residents in the Kansas City area instead of personal agendas. 34

35 Area voters believe this type of cooperation is important because And, what are the main reasons why you believe that regional cooperation by the area s political leaders/business leaders is (extremely/very) important to help Kansas City reach its full potential? Political Leaders You are not going to be able to get anything accomplished if you can't get people to work together. State line is just a line on the map. The whole Kansas City area and both sides of the state line need to work together if they want to improve. 35

36 Area voters believe this type of cooperation is important because And, what are the main reasons why you believe that regional cooperation by the area s political leaders/business leaders is (extremely/very) important to help Kansas City reach its full potential? Business Leaders Cooperation brings growth. Without the cooperation of the business community, you won't have anyone else follow. The business leaders have to cooperate together, because the politicians cannot. 36

37 When asked how their own city or community is faring And, which one of the following statements best describes how you feel your city or community is doing... My city is thriving and doing well My city is doing OK and will be better in the future My city has been going downhill, but might be able to turn it around My city is slowly dying

38 Most residents are upbeat, with KCMO being the exception. And, which of the following statements best describes how you feel your city or community is doing? By County KC, MO OK/ Thrive Die/Down OK/ Thrive Die/ Down OK/ Thrive Die/ Down OK/ Thrive Die/ Down OK/ Thrive Die/ Down OK/ Thrive Die/ Down 38

39 Looking to improve local cities in the area? Voters say business and political leaders will have the most positive impact. In order to improve your city, which one of the following do you believe would have the most positive impact? Business Community Political Leadership Church/Religious Total Groups Positive Civic Organizations Total Johnson (32%) Wyandotte (8%) Jackson (41%) Clay (13%) Platte (5%) KC, MO (19%) 39% 50% 25% 35% 33% 39% 27% 33% 26% 30% 35% 40% 44% 42% 13% 11% 22% 15% 11% 6% 15% 12% 9% 16% 14% 14% 11% 15% 39

40 Anonymous Advice? Finally, if you could give some anonymous advice to the area s political and business leadership on how to make the greater Kansas City area better, what would you tell them?

41 Voters clear focus is on political leadership. Finally, if you could give some anonymous advice to the area s political and business leadership on how to make the greater Kansas City area better, what would you tell them? I think that they need to look out for the city and not their personal gain and gratification. They need to look out for the city or we are going to lose a lot. (Jackson) I would say they need to see the city as a metropolitan area and plan accordingly, instead of just maintaining a particular piece of it. (Jackson) 41

42 Voters clear focus is on political leadership. Finally, if you could give some anonymous advice to the area s political and business leadership on how to make the greater Kansas City area better, what would you tell them? I would tell them to quit their backbiting and their pettiness and run the government like it should be run. (Johnson) In order for growth, the states have to work together on things. (Johnson) The political leaders need to stop fighting amongst themselves. (Clay) 42

43 Voters clear focus is on political leadership. Finally, if you could give some anonymous advice to the area s political and business leadership on how to make the greater Kansas City area better, what would you tell them? It's just terrifying the dealing with the guns and the drugs. It's a nightmare over here. (Jackson) Learn how to work together. Quit trying to say my side of the state line is better than your side of the state line. (Jackson) 43

44 Voters clear focus is on political leadership. Finally, if you could give some anonymous advice to the area s political and business leadership on how to make the greater Kansas City area better, what would you tell them? Well this is real easy. Bickering. The politicians, the city council, the city manager. Just bickering. (Jackson) Kansas City, Missouri is a disaster, schools, political leadership. Until you fix that, it bleeds on to all the cities around it. (Johnson) 44

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46 While voters cite the economy, crime and schools as the most important problems facing the region, they focus on poli<cal leadership and poli<cal coopera<on as the key elements holding the area back from its full poten<al.

47 There is frustra<on among residents that the region s poli<cal leadership is not stepping up to the plate and working together to address the major needs of the area. If there is a target of voter frustra<on, it is clearly Kansas City, Missouri s city government. While KCMO proper is just a por<on of the en<re region, there is no ques<on that the city s poli<cs dominates the poli<cal landscape and has a dispropor<onate impact on overall aitudes toward the region.

48 While frustra<on with the area s poli<cal leaders is palpable, voters seem to turn to both the regional poli<cal leadership and the business community to help lead the way toward a more successful, prosperous and coopera<ve region. There is a clear sense that the region s business community has a significant role to play in seing community priori<es and vision.

49 There is no ques<on that residents understand the divisive impact that the state line has on the overall community. However, voters in this poll are saying for the area to reach its full poten<al, the poli<cians need to do less bickering and more working across boundaries, and the business community needs to take a stronger leadership role to diminish the importance of the state line.

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