Recently, the local newspaper, the Arizona Daily Star, ran an online survey asking 76 questions about Tucson and its growth. Not an incredibly scientific study, but interesting, nonetheless. You can read the articles here.
Some answers from the survey:
- What do you think is the most important issue facing Southern Arizona? 27% say water supply, next closest was illegal immigration at 19%.
And the expected conflict over our two big issues: water and transportation.
- If you believe Southern Arizona has a water supply problem, how should it be fixed? 41% say limit home construction, followed by more efficient building codes at 13%.
- Do you believe wastewater can be made safe for drinking? 51% say yes, 30% say no.
- Would you be willing to drink treated wastewater? 39% say yes, 41% say no.
- Should limits be placed on building permits in Southern Arizona to preserve water? 71% say yes, 23% say no.
Reading through the survey, it seems like respondents would rather find ways to conserve existing water, and reduce current usage rather than make use of treated wastewater, although they do believe it can be made safe for drinking.
- Which of the following types of transportation projects should have top priority for taxpayer funding: 32% say public transport systems, 31% say local streets and roads.
- Would you use toll roads in your community? 37% say yes, 44% say no.
- Would you pay higher taxes for local buses if they were more convenient to your schedule? 38% say yes, 49% say no.
- Would you pay higher gasoline taxes to widen and improve streets? 43% say yes, 49% say no.
- How do you commute to work? 50% say they drive alone.
- Do you take the bus once a week or more? 95% say no.
So - top priority should be given to public transport that nearly none of the respondents use, and it shouldn’t be financed with taxes. Road improvements? Not to be paid with gas tax either. Something’s gotta give there, folks.
Photo via Flickr courtesy of lars hammar.
