HomeMy Public PortalAboutOpen Space Committee (6) Godbe Research & Analysis Time Began
August 2001 Time Ended
2.11 hf Cluster#
NEVADA COUNTY VOTER SURVEY
Hi, may I please speak to . Hi, my name is and I'm calling
on behalf of GRA, a public opinion research firm. We're conducting a survey
concerning issues that are important to residents in your area and I'd like to ask you a
few questions, it should take just a few minutes of your time.
(IF NEEDED) This is a survey about important issues in your area and I'm NOT trying
to sell anything.
(ONLY ASK OF PROPERTY OWNERS: BEAR RIVER, WESTERN GATEWAY,
NISENAN, AND SPECIFIED INDIVIDUALS IN THE SAN JUAN RIDGE SAMPLES,
QN=3o)
i. Before we begin, please tell me if you are the person in your household who pays
your property tax bill —which often is included in your mortgage.
(IF RESPONDENT PAYS BILL, CONTINUE WITH SURVEY. IF SOMEONE ELSE
PAYS BILL, ASK TO SPEAK WITH THAT PERSON AND CONTINUE WITH SURVEY.
NOTE WHICH INDIVIDUAL YOU ARE SPEAKING WITH ON THE SAMPLE SHEET IN
ORDER TO COLLECT THE CORRECT PERSONS' INFORMATION ON THE VOTER
FILE. IF PERSON IS NOT LISTED ON VOTER FILE, NOTE THIS BEFORE
CONTINUING WITH INTERVIEW)
i. Respondent pays bill 1 (CONTINUE)
Someone else pays bill 2 (ASK TO SPEAK WITH THIS PERSON)
It depends 3 (CONTINUE)
Don't Know/Refuse -------4 (TERMINATE)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
1. First, how many years have you lived at your current residence?
Four years or less 1
Five to Eight years --- 2
Nine to Fifteen years 3
Sixteen to Twenty-five years -4
Twenty-six years or more 5
Don't Know 6
Refused 7
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 1
2. Next, I'm going to read a list of issues facing your community today and for each one
please tell me how important you feel the issue is to you.
Here's the (first/next) one: . Do you think this issue is extremely important,
very important, somewhat important, or not at all important?
Not (DON'T
RANDOMIZE Ext Very SM At All READ)
him ha Imp Imp DK/NA
( )A. Protecting the environment 1 2 3 4 5
( )B. Improving local park and
recreation facilities - —1------2 -------3------- 4 5
( )C. Reducing crime 1 2 3 4 5
( )D. Preventing local tax increases ----1 2 3 4 5
( )E. Maintaining local parks and
recreation facilities — -1 2 --------3 4— 5
( W. Preserving open space 1 2 --------3 4 5
( )G. Increasing the number of parks
in Nevada County 1 2 3 4 5
( )H. Improving recreational
programs 1 2 --------3 4 5
( )I. Improving library services--------1--- 2 3 4 5
( )J. Controlling the expansion of
government- 1 2 3 4 5
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 2
Q3A. (BEAR RIVER ONLY (QK=1); WESTERN GATEWAY: GO TO Q3B; NISENAN
AND SAN JUAN RIDGE: GO TO Q3C)
Recreation facilities and programs in the South County area are provided by the Bear
River Recreation and Park District. Next year, property owners in the District may be
asked to vote by mail on local ballot measures. Let me read you a summary of one of
the proposals:
Shall the property owners in the South County area be assessed 12 to 28 dollars
per year to fund the creation and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities
in the Bear River Recreation and Park District?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes 2
Probably No 3
Definitely No 4
(DON'T READ) DK 5
(DON'T READ) Refused 6
Q3B. (WESTERN GATEWAY ONLY (QK=4); BEAR RIVER: GO TO Q4; NISENAN
AND SAN JUAN RIDGE: GO TO Q3C)
Recreation facilities and programs in the Penn Valley area are provided by the Western
Gateway Recreation and Park District. Next year, property owners in the District may
be asked to vote by mail on local ballot measures. Let me read you a summary of one
of the proposals:
Shall the property owners in the Penn Valley area be assessed 12 to 28 dollars
per year to fund the creation and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities
in the Western Gateway Recreation and Park District?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes 2
Probably No 3
Definitely No----------- 4
(DON'T READ) DK 5
(DON'T READ) Refused 6
Nevada County Gate Research&Analysis
11/01/71 9:32 AM Page 3
Q3C. (NISENAN (QK=2) AND SAN JUAN RIDGE (QK=3) ONLY; WESTERN
GATEWAY AND BEAR RIVER: GO TO Q4)
Recreation facilities and programs are usually provided by a Recreation and Park
District. Next year, voters in your area may be asked to vote on local ballot measures.
Let me read you a summary of one of the proposals:
Shall a Recreation and Park District be created in [area surrounding Grass
Valley and Nevada City/San Juan Ridge area] to create and maintain parks and
recreation facilities?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes----------_----W2
Probably No 3
Definitely No 4
(DON'T READ) DK 5
(DON'T READ) Refused 6
Q3C7. If a Recreation and Park District is formed, property owners in this area
will be asked to vote by mail on a local ballot measure. Let me read you a summary of
this proposal:
Shall the property owners in [area surrounding Grass Valley and Nevada
City/San Juan Ridge area] be assessed 12 to 28 dollars per year to fund the
creation and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities in the [area
surrounding Grass Valley and Nevada City/San Juan Ridge area]?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes 2
Probably No 3
Definitely No -4
(DON'T READ) DK-- -- 5
(DON'T READ) Refused-----------------6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 4
4. (ALL AREAS)
The proposed assessment measure will raise money through annual property taxes
paid by residential and business property owners. However, the amount of money to be
assessed to each property owner for the creation and maintenance of parks and
recreation facilities in the District has yet to be determined.
If you heard that the annual tax increase for your property would be: (READ
FIRST ITEM AND CONTINUE IN SEQUENCE) per year if the assessment passes,
would you vote yes or no on the measure?
(GET ANSWER, THEN ASK): Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
(READ IN SEQUENCE UNTIL ALL ITEMS ARE READ. IF RESPONDENTS SAYS
DEFINITELY YES, RECORD 'DEFINITELY YES' FOR ALL OTHER LOWER TAX
RATE(S), AND GO TO Q5.)
(DON'T
Def Prob Prob Def READ)
Yes Yes No No DK/NA
A. $28 —1 2 3 4 5
B. $24 -- - — — --1--------2 --------3 --------4- 5
C. $20 1 2 3 4 5
D. $16 1 2 ----3 4 5
E. $12 — —1-------2 --------3 4— 5
5. (ALL AREAS)
The money generated by the assessment can be used to fund a variety of projects in
Nevada County.
If you heard that some of the money could be used to , would you be
more or less likely to vote for the measure or would the information have no effect on
your decision to vote for the measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK:) Would that be
much (more/less) likely or somewhat (more/less) likely to vote for the measure?
Much Swt Swt Much (DON'T
RANDOMIZE More More No Less Less READ)
Likely Likely Effect Likely Likely DK/NA
OA. Build new community centers - 1 2 3 4 5 6
OB. Repair and renovate
playground facilities----------- 1 --------2 3 4 5 6
( )C. Preserve natural habitats 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )D. Establish a network of trails---- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )E. Improve park safety and
security -- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )F. Improve maintenance of existing
recreation facilities and
parks 1 2 3 4--------5 6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Anaysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 5
Much Swt Swt Much (DON'T
RANDOMIZE More More No Less Less READ)
Likely Likely Effect Likely Likely DK/NA
( )G. Provide more adult sports and
fitness programs 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )H. Provide more youth and teen
sports and programs 1 2 3 4 5--- 6
( )I. Acquire land for new parks 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )J. Complete improvement of
existing parks— 1 2 3 4- 5 6
( )K. Build new neighborhood parks 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )L. Improve fire protection and
clear brush to prevent fires--- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )M.Acquire property for open space
from willing sellers 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )N. Preserve land to protect drinking
water quality 1 --- 2 3- ------4 5 6
6. (ALL AREAS)
During the next several months, residents in your area will hear arguments from
supporters and opponents of the proposed measure we have been discussing. As I
read each of the arguments, please tell me if you would be more or less likely to vote
for the measure, given the argument.
If you heard that , would you be more or less likely to vote for the
measure or would the information have no effect on your decision to vote for the
measure? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK:) Would that be much (more/less) likely or
somewhat (more/less) likely to vote for the measure?
Much Swt Swt Much (DON'T
RANDOMIZE More More No Less Less READ)
Likely Likely Effect Likely Likely DK/NA
( )A. The measure will improve the
quality of life in
Nevada County 1 2 3------4--------5-------6
OB. The existing community parks
are too far from many local
residents to be utilized 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )C. Property taxes are already too high
even without this measure---- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )D. Recreation keeps kids and
teens out of crime and away
from gangs and drugs 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )E. The District will
mismanage the money 1 2 3 4 5- ------6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 6
Much SM Swt Much (DON'T
RANDOMIZE More More No Less Less READ)
Likely Likely Effect Likely Likely DK/NA
OF. Well maintained parks improve
our property values-- 1 2 3- 4 5 6
( )G. Passing this measure now
will ensure that open space
is preserved for future
generations 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )H. The measure will hurt individuals, like
seniors, on fixed incomes---- 1 2 3 4--------5 6
( )1. The money raised by the measure
will only be spent on recreation
and park facilities 1 -----2 3--- 4 5 6
OJ. There is not enough demand for recreation
and park facilities. So, new
facilities will be under-used -- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )K. The current shortage of balifields
forces local kids and families to drive to other
communities to play games -- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )L. This measure for parks is not
necessary because there are
already enough state parks and
national forests in the area--- 1 2 3 4 5 6
( )M.This measure is just another example
of the government telling property
owners what they can do with their
land 1 2 3 4--------5 6
( )N. Currently there are no
recreation programs and parks
in your area. This measure
will pay for these types of
services 1 2--------3 4 5 6
( )O. If this measure passes, a
publicly elected Recreation
and Park District Board will
oversee any new programs
and facilities---- — --- 1 2-------3--------4-------56
OP. For only a couple of dollars a
month, we will have safe and
well-maintained recreation
and park facilities that will benefit
everyone and improve our
quality of life 1 2 3- 4- 5 6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 7
Much Swt Swt Much (DON'T
RANDOMIZE More More No Less Less READ)
Likely Likely Effect Likely Likely DK/NA
( )Q. If this measure passes,
a Citizen Oversight Committee
will be formed to ensure that the money
is spent appropriately --- 1 ------2--------3-------4 —5 6
WESTERN GATEWAY RESIDENTS ONLY:
OR. Property owners in the Western Gateway Recreation and Park District
already pay a 12 to 13 dollars assessment
to the District. If this measure passes,
property owners will have to pay double
what they are paying now 1 --------2- 3--------4 5-------6
Q7A. (BEAR RIVER ONLY; WESTERN GATEWAY: GO TO Q7B; NISENAN AND
SAN JUAN RIDGE: GO TO Q7C.)
Now that you have heard more about the measure, let me read you a summary of it
again:
Shall the property owners in the South County area be assessed 12 to 28 dollars per
year to fund the creation and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities in the Bear
River Recreation and Park District?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes 2
Probably No 3
Definitely No -4
(DON'T READ) DK 5
(DON'T READ) Refused 6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32AM Page 8
Q7B. (WESTERN GATEWAY ONLY; BEAR RIVER: GO TO Q8; NISENAN AND SAN
JUAN RIDGE: GO TO Q7C.)
Now that you have heard more about the measure, let me read you a summary of it
again:
Shall the property owners in the Penn Valley area be assessed 12 to 28 dollars
per year to fund the creation and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities
in the Western Gateway Recreation and Park District?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes 2
Probably No 3
Definitely No -4
(DON'T READ) DK 5
(DON'T READ) Refused 6
Q7C. (NISENAN AND SAN JUAN RIDGE ONLY; WESTERN GATEWAY AND BEAR
RIVER: GO TO Q84
Now that you have heard more about the measure, let me read you a summary of it
again:
Shall the property owners in the [area surrounding Grass Valley and Nevada
City/San Juan Ridge area] be assessed 12 to 28 dollars per year to fund the
creation and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities in the [area
surrounding Grass Valley and Nevada City/San Juan Ridge area]?
If asked to vote today, would you vote yes or no on this measure? (GET ANSWER,
THEN ASK:) Would that be definitely (yes/no) or probably (yes/no)?
Definitely Yes 1
Probably Yes 2
Probably No 3
Definitely No 4
(DON'T READ) DK 5
(DON'T READ) Refused 6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 9
8. (ALL AREAS) Next I'd like to talk a little bit about another possible option.
I'd like to read you the opinions of two residents in the County. Smith and Jones
disagree on their opinions of creating Recreation and Park Districts in Nevada County.
As I read their opinions, please tell me which one is closer to your own opinion.
RANDOMIZE ORDER OF SMITH AND JONES
Smith believes that there should be one Recreation and Park District that includes
San Juan Ridge, Penn Valley, South County and the area surrounding Grass Valley
and Nevada City. Smith says that this will enable each of these areas to pool their
resources for a more effective use of revenue.
Jones believes that there should be separate Recreation and Park Districts for San
Juan Ridge, Penn Valley, South County and the area surrounding Grass Valley and
Nevada City. Jones says that this will enable each of these areas to better serve
their local communities.
Whose opinion is closer to your own opinion?
Smith 1
Jones 2
(DON'T READ) Both 3
(DON'T READ) Neither -4
(DON'T READ) DK/NA/Refused ---------5
(ALL AREAS) Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about recreation in your
community.
9. (ALL AREAS) Would you say that the number and variety of parks and recreation
facilities in your community is adequate or inadequate? (GET ANSWER, THEN ASK:)
Would that be very (adequate/inadequate) or somewhat (adequate/inadequate)?
Very adequate 1
Somewhat adequate--------- -- — 2
Somewhat inadequate 3
Very inadequate----- -4
(DON'T READ) DK/NA5
10. (ALL AREAS) During the past 12 months, have you or any member of your
household visited one of the national forests or other recreation facilities in your area?
Yes 1
No 2
(DON'T READ) DK/NA3
Nevada County Godbe Research&Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 10
11. (ALL AREAS) During the past 12 months, have you or any member of your
household participated in any program involving the national forests or other recreation
facilities in your area?
Yes 1
No 2
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 3
12. (ALL AREAS) Thinking of the parks and recreation facilities in your area, how
would you rate the quality of the maintenance of these facilities? Would you say the
maintenance is excellent, good, fair or poor, or do you not have an opinion?
Excellent 1
Good 2
Fair 3
Poor- -4
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 5
13. (ALL AREAS) During the past 12 months, have you or any member of your
household visited a park or recreation facility other than those in Nevada County?
Yes-- 1
No- 2
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 3
Now, I have just a few background questions for comparison purposes.
A. (ALL AREAS) How many children under the age of 10 do you have living at home?
One 1
Two ------- 2
Three — - — - -3
Four or More -4
None 5
DK/NA 6
Nevada County Godbe Research&Anatysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 11
B. (ALL AREAS) How many children between the ages of 10 and 18 do you have
living at home?
One --- — — 1
Two 2
Three 3
Four or More---------- 4
None 5
DK/NA 6
C. (ALL RESPONDENTS IN WESTERN GATEWAY, BEAR RIVER, AND NISENAN
SAMPLE. ONLY ASK OF QN=3o IN SAN JUAN RIDGE SAMPLE) Do you own
commercial property or apartments in South County, Penn Valley, area surrounding
Nevada City, area surrounding Grass Valley, or San Juan Ridge?
Yes — -- — — — 1 (ASK QCI)
No2 (SKIP TO QD)
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 3 (SKIP TO QD)
C1. Is that commercial property or apartments or both?
Commercial property 1
Apartments ---2
Both— 3
(DON'T READ) DK/NA-----------4
Thank you so much for participating!
D. Respondents Gender: Male---- 1
Female-- --- ---_—___2
FROM SAMPLE SHEET
MAKE SURE TO COPY THE INFORMATION FROM THE PERSON WHO ACTUALLY
TOOK THE INTERVIEW!!!!
E. Age: 18 to 29 1
30 to 39------------------- ----- 2
40 to 49------------ -- 3
50 to 64 --- -- — 4
65 or older 5
Not coded 6
F. Party: Democrat --------------------- 1
Republican------- -------- 2
Other 3
DTS 4
Nevada County Godbe Research&Ana 'sis
11/01/01 9.32 AM Page 12
G. Voting History Yes No
a. Voted 6/94-- 1- - 2
b. Voted 11/94 1 2
c. Voted 3/96 1 2
d. Voted 11/96 1- 2
e. Voted 6/98 – —1 2
1. Voted 11/98 1 2
g. Voted 3/2000 1 2
h. Voted 11/2000 1---- 2
H. Voting Propensity: Once 1
Twice 2
Three times 3
Four times 4
Five times 5
Six times 6
Seven times---- 7
Eight times 8
Never voted absentee----- 9
I. Absentee Propensity: Once 1
Twice 2
Three times 3
Four times 4
Five times 5
Six times 6
Seven times 7
Eight times 8
Never voted absentee 9
J. Household Party Type: Democrat (1) 1
Democrat (2+) 2
Republican (1) - 3
Republican (2+)---------- --- 4
Other (1) 5
Other (2+) 6
Democrat & Republican 7
Democrat& Other 8
Republican & Other 9
K. Area: South County/Bear River 1
Outside Nevada City and
Grass Valley/Nisenan — 2
San Juan Ridge 3
Penn Valley/Western Gateway 4
Nevada County Godbe Research.9 Analysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 13
L. ZIP CODE (REQUIRED)
M. PRECINCT NUMBER (REQUIRED)
N. San Juan Sample: Property Owners — 30
Renter 3
NAME PHONE
ADDRESS
DATE OF INTERVIEW VALIDATED BY
INTERVIEWER:
NUMBER:
Nevada County Godbe Research 8 Anaysis
11/01/01 9:32 AM Page 14