Constituent survey results

By: 
Andy McKean
Iowa State Representative, 58th Dist.

     The topic of my newsletter a few weeks ago was a 21-question survey to help me gauge constituent opinion on a variety of issues that the Legislature could face this session. The survey was in my newspaper column and was also conveyed through e-mail to a growing list of District 58 citizens who receive the newsletter by those means. I was pleased to receive 124 survey responses, as well as many thoughtful and interesting additional comments, which I am working my way through as time permits. I realize the results constitute a small sample size of the District, but the responses are instructive and helpful to me as I do my best to represent you in the Iowa House.

     Here are the survey results:

     1. Do you support an increase in minimum wage? What amount would you suggest? Yes, 59 percent. No, 10 percent. Undecided, 10 percent. Average amount, $9-$10.

     2. Do you support the elimination of speed cameras? Yes, 47 percent. No, 44 percent. Undecided, 9 percent.

     3. Should texting while driving be prohibited? Yes, 93 percent. No, 6 percent. Undecided, 1 percent.

     4. Do you support an increase in the sales tax to support water quality programs? Yes, 40 percent. No, 44 percent. Undecided, 17 percent.

     5. Do you support stronger drunk driving laws? Yes, 51 percent. No, 33 percent. Undecided, 16 percent.

     6. Do you support replacing credits and deductions in Iowa’s tax code with a flat tax (probably between 3-4 percent to be revenue neutral)? Yes, 36 percent. No, 27 percent. Undecided, 33 percent.

     7. Do you favor moving the primary date from June to September? Yes, 30 percent. No, 38 percent. Undecided, 32 percent.

     8. Do you favor making county offices non-partisan? Yes, 70 percent. No, 13 percent. Undecided, 16 percent.

     9. Do you support requiring all voters to present proof of identification before allowing them to vote? Yes, 77 percent. No, 20 percent. Undecided, 3 percent.

     10. Do you support moving back the date for early voting from late September to mid-October? Yes, 56 percent. No, 32 percent. Undecided, 12 percent.

     11. Do you support giving county sheriffs greater discretion in granting permits to carry concealed weapons? Yes, 54 percent. No, 31 percent. Undecided, 15 percent.

     12. Do you support “Stand Your Ground” legislation to shield persons who use reasonable force for protection from civil lawsuits and criminal charges? Yes, 72 percent. No, 15 percent. Undecided, 13 percent.

     13. Do you support restricting Medicaid payments for abortions? Yes, 59 percent. No, 31 percent. Undecided, 10 percent.

     14. Do you support legislation to stop the use of public funds to support pro-abortion groups? Yes, 65 percent. No, 27 percent. Undecided, 9 percent.

     15. Do you support allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes? Yes, 75 percent. No, 15 percent. Undecided, 10 percent.

     16. Do you support changes in Iowa’s collective bargaining law? Yes, 35 percent. No, 33 percent. Undecided, 32 percent.

     17. Do you support allowing school districts to participate in a statewide insurance pool for their employees?  Yes, 71 percent. No, 11 percent. Undecided, 18 percent.

     18. Do you support the creation of “Educational Savings Accounts” to help parents with the costs of private education?  Yes, 53 percent. No, 29 percent. Undecided, 18 percent.

     19. Do you favor requiring farmers to adopt certain farming practices as part of a water quality improvement program?  Yes, 56 percent. No, 35 percent. Undecided, 9 percent.

     20. Do you support “Right to Work” legislation allowing employees to opt out of union membership?  Yes, 72 percent. No, 16 percent. Undecided, 12 percent.

     21. Do you support prohibiting smoking in casinos? Yes, 75 percent. No, 15 percent. Undecided, 10 percent.

     Again, thanks to everyone who took time and trouble to answer and return the survey and for adding comments for me to consider.

Category:

Subscriber Login