Community PollFair bank
Maslin,
Matillin
Associates
Opinion Research &
Public Policy Analy.5is
TO: Debra Figone, Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos
Pamela Jacobs, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos
- FROM: - - Dave Metz and Molly O' Shaughnessy - - -
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates
RE: Key Findings From Los Gatos Voter Survey
DATE: January 30, 2007
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates (FMM&A) recently completed a voter survey in
the Town of Los Gatos to assess voter attitudes toward Town services and test the
feasibility of a bond measure to finance improvements to public facilities.' Overall, the
survey showed that Town voters are highly pleased with conditions, in the community and
the operation of Town government. They do not see a pressing need for additional
funding for public services. Perhaps as a result, though a clear majority of local voters
support a proposed bond measure to fund improvements to Town facilities, that support
falls short of the required two-thirds majority.
Accordingly,- we recommend that the Town undertake additional public education and
outreach before placing such a bond measure before voters. Only one voter in ten
currently has significant awareness of the Master Plan for improvements to the Civic
Center and Library. . Voters will need to understand more about the need for
improvements to public facilities in Los Gatos if they are to offer supermajority support
for investments in those improvements
1 Methodology: From January 23-25, 2007 FMM&A completed 400 telephone interviews with registered
voters in Los Gatos likely to cast ballots in November 2008. The margin of sampling error for the full
sample is 4.9%; margins pf error for subgroups within the sample are higher.
2425 Colorado Avenue Suite 180 1999 Harrison Street Suite 1290
Santa Monica, CA 90404 Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (310) 828-1183 Phone: (510) 451-9521
Fax: (310) 453-6562 Fax: (510) 451-0384
Key Findinzs From. Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007 Page 2
Key specific findings from the survey include the following:
• Voters have highly positive feelings about the community and about Town
services. In evaluating the general direction of the community, the performance of
Town government and the financial management of the Town, voters offer strongly
positive evaluations.
Few local issues concern large numbers of Los Gatos voters. No single issue was
as the "most serious problem" in Los Gatos by more than 12 percent of survey
respondents. No more than about one-third of local voters see a "great need" for
additional funding for any of a number of major public services.
• While most voters support a bond measure to build a library, community center
and police station, that support falls below the required two-thirds threshold.
While voters support a potential bond measure by nearly a two-to-one margin - with
57 percent "yes" and 31 percent "no" - this support falls below the two-thirds
threshold required for approval of bond measures.
Library services are voters' top priority among potential uses of bond funds.
Voters are most likely to see the public library as in need of additional funding than
other services. Voters rate a new library as a higher priority than a community center
or police facility as a potential use of funds from a bond measure.
• Voters are concerned about the potential tax impact of a bond measure. Support
for a potential bond measure declines significantly when voters hear the tax impact of
the measure.
• Voters are more inclined to support a bond measure if it includes specific fiscal
accountability provisions. Provisions that require audits, a citizens' oversight
committee, senior citizen deferrals and provisions that emphasize that bond funds
cannot be spent on salaries will help increase support for a bond measure.
The balance of this memo explores these and other key findings in more detail.
Voters have highly positive feelings about the community and about Town services.
To explore underlying attitudes that might affect voter support for a bond measure, the
survey asked voters general questions about the direction of the Town and the quality of
Town services. The results show a high level of voter satisfaction with Los Gatos and the
job being done by Town government.
Thirty five percent of voters say that things in Los Gatos are headed in the right direction
over the last two years, compared to only 10 percent who say they are headed in the
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Key Findings From. Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007 Page 3
wrong direction. Nearly half of voters say things in Los Gatos have not changed much
over the last two years.
Voters also feel positively about the quality of Town services. Nearly four out of five
(79%) say the Town is doing an "excellent" or "good" job in providing services,
compared to only 16 percent who say the Town is doing a "fair" job and only 4 percent
who say the Town is doing a "poor" job. See Figure 1 for detailed results.
Figure 1: Job Rating for Town of Los Gatos in Providing Services
Excellent
Good
Just fair
Poor job
Don't Know
23% Total
- - 79%
56%
i
16% Total
20% i
4% i
0% 20% - 40% 60% 80%
These results are consistent with results of the 2003 Los Gatos resident satisfaction
survey, which found that nine in ten residents were "very" or "somewhat" satisfied with
the job the Town was doing to provide services.
Voters were also asked to rate the Town's job performance in managing the Town's
budget and finances. Six in ten voters say the Town is doing an "excellent" or "good" job
of financial and budget management (as shown in Figure 2 on the following page), one
of the highest positive responses we have observed in dozens of recent surveys across the
state. This result is also consistent with the 2003 resident survey, which found that 56
percent of residents were "very" or "somewhat" satisfied with the Town's performance in
managing its finances.
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Key Findings From 1 Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007
Page 4
Figure 2: Job Rating for the Town of Los Gatos in Financial Management
Excellent
Good
Just fair
Poor job
Don't Know
12%i Total
48%
16% Total
21% i
19%
5%
0%, 20%u 40% 60% 80%
Few local issues concern large numbers of Los Gatos voters.
Survey respondents were asked, in an open-ended question, to name the most serious
problem facing the Town of Los Gatos. There was remarkably little consensus on any
major problem. "Too.much growth and development" was cited as the most important
problem by 12 percent of voters, and no other single issue was named by more than ten
percent of those polled. The second-most common response, offered by eight percent of
voters, was "nothing." The cost of housing, the quality of the public schools, and the need
for more growth and development were each named most important by six percent of
voters surveyed
Issues relating to crime, public facilities or parking seem to be relatively low-level
concerns. When asked how much need they see for additional funding for Town services,
less than one-third of voters see -a "great need" for additional funding for any service but
street maintenance. See Figure 3 on the following page for detailed results.
Fairbank,
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Key Findings From Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007 Page S
Figure 3: Perceived Need for Funding for Public Services
■ Great Need ❑ Some Need El Little Need ■ No Need ❑ Don't Know
Street and road maintenance
Public libraries
Pilblir schools 01
Neighborhood parks
Services for seniors
Police protection
39% 15% -
' 34%,,,
38% 11%
13% 7 0
- 38%
19% °
37% `
7114%
19%
37%
23%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Moreover, when the survey offered voters a list of specific ways money from a potential
bond measure might be used, none was rated as "extremely important" by more than one
in five voters (as shown in Figure 4). In short, Los Gatos voters perceive neither an
urgent problem facing the community nor a significant inadequacy in funding for public
services that needs to be addressed.
Figure 4: Perceived Importance of Various Potential Uses of Bond Funds
Use of Bond Funds
Extremely
Very
Total
Extremely/
Imp.
Imp.
Very Imp.
Ensuring that disabled people have equal access to the
20%
40%
60%
library, community center and Town Hall
Ensuring adequate facilities for police 9-1-1 dispatchers to
17%
38%
55%
improve emergency response
Expanding children's reading areas in the library
11%
30%
41%
Adding new computer areas in the library for research,
Internet access and technology education
11%
28%
1 1
39%
1
Expanding parking areas for the library and civic center
11%
24%
35%
area
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Key Findings From, Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007 Page 6
Use of Bond Funds
Extremely
Very
Total
Extremely/
r
Imp.
Imp.
Very Imp.
Expanding space for books to accommodate a larger book
o
0
collection at the Library
10 /0
33 /0
43 /o
°
Creating a central, one-stop customer service area for
10%
26%
36%
residents to access all Town services and information
Upgrading computer technology to improve customer
°
9 /0
o
19 /0
°
28 /o
service at Town Hall
Improving the safety of crime victims and witnesses by
7%
23%
30%
building separate interview rooms for victims and suspects
Adding group study areas for students at the library
7%
23%
30%
Upgrading and repairing public restrooms at the library
5%
16%
21%
and Town Hall facilities
Building more secure storage for crime evidence, weapons
5%
14%
19%
and ammunition at the police facility
Improving entrances, signs and walkways so residents can
5%
14%
19%
find the right Town office more easily
Building facilities for community events, programs and
3%
17%
20%
meetings
While most voters support for a bond measure to build a library, community center and
police station, that support falls below the required two-thirds threshold.
Survey respondents were read the following potential ballot language for a $95 million
bond measure to fund capital improvements to the Civic Center, including a new library,
community center and police station, and asked how they would vote on such a measure:
Los Gatos Public Library, Community Center,. and Public Safety
Measure. To build a library with updated computer technology, expanded
space for books and children's reading areas; a community center for
meetings, events and senior activities; and a Police facility safer for crime
victims and better equipped for emergency response; and to improve
disabled access and expand parking for these facilities; shall the Town of
Los Gatos issue 95, 000, 000 dollars in general obligation bonds, with
annual financial audits and independent oversight?
As illustrated in Figure. 5, voters support the proposed bond measure by nearly a two-to-
one margin, with 57 percent voting "yes," 31 percent voting "no," and 12 percent
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Key Findings From. Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007 Page 7
undecided. Thirty-one percent of voters say they would "definitely"- vote "yes,"
compared to only 19 percent who say they would "definitely" vote "no." However,
support for the bond falls well short of the required two-thirds vote.
Figure 5: Initial Support for $95 Million Bond Measure
Definitely Yes
Probably Yes
Undecided; Lean Yes
Undecided, Lean No
Probably No
Definitely No
Undecided
31% Total
20% Yes
6% 57%
~ i
2%0 -
Total
10% No
9% 40'% i
12% i
0% 10% 20% 30°/. 40%
These results are consistent with the 2003 resident satisfaction survey, in which residents
were asked whether they would support a ballot measure increasing taxes to pay for
different Town facilities and services. The questions were asked quite differently in the
resident survey, without a detailed description of the financing mechanism or the planned
use of funds. However, the results were generally similar: in 2003, residents were evenly
divided on hypothetical measures to fund a new library (47% "yes" to 45% "no"), police
services (49% "yes" to 42% "no)" and improvements to buildings at Town Hall (31 %
"yes" to 56% "no").
The aggregate amount of the bond appears to have little impact on voter support. In a
follow-up question, survey respondents were asked in sequence how they might vote on
smaller bond measures of $80 million, $50 million and $30 million. Even at a bond of
$30 million, the "yes" vote only reached 61 percent - a-net increase of four points.
Library services are voters' top Priority among potential uses of bond funds.
The results of the survey show quite clearly that public library facilities and services are
seen as the most important potential use of bond funds. Voters were asked to rate the
need for additional funding for a variety of public services in Los Gatos 9as shown above
in Figure 3). More voters said that public libraries need additional funding than said the
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Key Findinks From. Gatos Voter Survey - January 2007 Page 8
same for any other service tested. Thirty-two percent of voters see a "great need" for
additional funding for libraries, while only 12 percent say the same for police protection.
Voters were also asked whether a library, community center or police station is the "most
important" use of bond funds. A 45 percent plurality of voters rank a larger library as the
top priority for use of bond funds, while 26 percent choose a larger police building and
19 percent choose a community center. See Figure 6 for voters' prioritization of possible
projects to be funded by a bond measure.
Figure 6: Voter Priorities for Use of Bond Funds
■ 1st Choice 2nd Choice
Library
Police facility
Community center
- TOTAL
22% 4 77%
21 % 47%
42% 61%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Voters are concerned about the potential tax impact of a bond measure.
In a follow-up question, the survey described the tax impact on individual homeowners of
various bond amounts, and asked respondents how they would vote knowing the potential
cost for local homeowners. This cost information had a negative impact on support for a
bond measure: the measure only received 50 percent support at the cost level of $30 per
$100,000 of assessed value (which corresponds roughly to a $30 million dollar bond
measure), and lower levels of support at higher costs.
Voters are more inclined to support a bond measure if it includes specific fiscal
accountability provisions.
The survey gave voters a list of fiscal accountability provisions that could be included in
a Town of Los Gatos bond measure, and asked whether each one made them more likely
to support the measure. All four provisions tested received a strong positive response
I'luslin,
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Key Findings From Gatos Voter Survey - Januarp 2007 Page 9
from voters. More than two-thirds of voters said they would be more likely to support a
bond measure that included annual independent audits, a citizens oversight committee,
low-income senior exemptions, or an explicit prohibition on spending the funds on Town
salaries. See Figure 7 for detailed results.
Figure 7: Impact of Fiscal Accountability Provisions on Voters' Likelihood to
Support a Bond Measure
Total
Much
Somewhat
Provision
More
More
More
Likely
Likely
Likely
Expenditures would be subject to annual,
77%
-43%
- -34%--
independent financial audits
An independent committee of Los Gatos
68%
30%
38%
citizens would review all expenditures
Low-income senior citizens could choose to
defer or delay payment of the additional
67%
34%
33%
property taxes until their home was sold
None of the bond funds could be spent on
65%
40%
25%
salaries for Town employees
Conclusion -
Overall, the survey results indicate that current levels of voter support for a potential,
bond measure are not sufficient for the Town of Los Gatos to move forward with bond
measure in 2007. Instead, the results show need for continued public outreach about the
Master Plan, the condition of Civic Center facilities, and the need for improvements.
Few voters were familiar with the Master Plan (only ten percent had heard even "a fair
amount" about it), but as voters were provided with more information about the Town's
needs over the course of the survey, they indicated that much of the information made
them more inclined to support a bond measure. These findings suggest that additional
information may help build support for Town facility improvements.
At the same time, even with an extensive program of public outreach, voters' concern
about the potential costs of a bond measure may work to limit their support.
Accordingly, it will be important for the Town to take steps to minimize the cost of the
measure. Library improvements, which voters generally rate as their highest priority for
use of funds, should be a central focus of a potential bond measure.
Accordingly, our recommendation is for the Town to structure a bond measure that
minimizes costs, undertake a careful program of education, and then re-evaluate public
support for a bond measure in preparation for a potential election in 2008.
Fairbank,
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FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAI IN & ASSOCIATES
Interviewer
Time Began _
Gender: Male
JANUARY 23-25, 2007
Station
Time Finished
Female
Party: Dem
Total Time
Rep
TOWN OF LOS GATOS BALLOT MEASURE SURVEY
JOB #220-2260 WT
N=400
Hello, I'm from FM MA, a public opinion research company. We're conducting a public
opinion survey about some important issues that concern residents of Los Gatos. I. am not trying
to sell you anything and I will not ask you for a donation or contribution of any kind. May I please
speak to . ? (MUST SPEAK TO VOTER LISTED. VERIFY. THAT THE VOTER LIVES AT
THE ADDRESS LISTED; OTHERWISE, TERMINATE.)
1 . First, I'm going to describe several different types of elections. After I describe each one,
please tell me if you vote in every election of that type, most of them, some, a few or do
you not vote in that type of election? (DO NOT ROTATE)
EVERY MOST SOME FEW NONE DK/NA
a. Statewide November
general elections 83%
15% 2% 0% TERM TERM
b. Statewide June primary
elections 65%
15% 7% 4% 9% 0%
C. Local elections, like those
for Town Council or
school board------------------------ 60%
15% 10% 5% -
8% 1 %
2. Would you say that things in Los
Gatos have been moving in the
right direction, in the
wrong direction, or have not changed much over the last two years?
Right direction
35%
Wrong direction
------=--------10 %
Not changed much
---------------48 %
(DON'T KNOW/NA)----------
-----------------7%
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 220-2260-WT Page 2
3. Next, what do you think is the most serious problem facing the residents. of Los Gatos that
you would like to.see the town government do something about? (DO NOT READ OPTIONS
- OPEN-END; ACCEPT ONLY ONE RESPONSE)
Growth and development/too much ----------------------12%
Nothing/no problems ---------------------------------------------8 %
Housing costs/lack of affordable housing-----------------6%
Education/public schools----------------------------------------6%
Growth and development/not enough----------------------6%
Traffic and congestion
---5 %
Town budget----------------------=------------------------------
---4%
Parking/not enough
----4%
Road maintenance/repairs
----4%
Cuts to local/Town programs------------------------------
----3%
Drugs
----3
Government waste/ mismanagement-------------------
----3%
Health care/cost of health care-------------------------------3%
Crime
----2%
Emergency/disaster preparation ------------------------------2%
Activities for teens/kids/more parks ------------------------2%
- Taxes too high---------------------------------------------------
---2%
Jobs/economy ------------------------------------------------------1 %
Trash around businesses/Trash on streets----------------1 %
Overdevelopment/Building or remodeling in town------1 %
Keep small businesses -------------------------------------------1 %
Less restrictions on homeowners and businesses------1 %
Police protection------------------------------------------------
---0%
Fire safety/services -----------------------------------------------0%
Water quality/drinking water
---0%
(DK/NA)
-1 1 %
(OTHER) (SPECIFY)
6%
4. Have you heard or read anything recently about a Master Plan for possible changes or
expansions to the Los Gatos Library and Civic Center? (IF YES, ASK:) Have you heard a .lot,
a fair amount, or just a little?
Yes, heard a lot ------------------------------------------3%
Yes, heard a fair amount------------------------=-----7%
Yes, heard a little 28%
'
No, haven't heard anything ------------------------61 %
(D K/NA) -----------------------------------------------------0 %
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 220-2260-WT Page 3
NOW I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT A BALLOT MEASURE .THAT MIGHT APPEAR IN AN
UPCOMING TOWN OF LOS GATOS ELECTION.
5. The ballot measure reads:
"Los Gatos Public Library, Community Center, and Public Safety Measure. To build a library
with updated computer technology, expanded space for books and children's reading areas;
a community center for meetings, events and senior activities; and a Police facility safer for
crime victims and better equipped for emergency response; and to improve disabled access
and expand parking for these facilities; shall the Town of Los Gatos issue 95,000,000
dollars in general obligation bonds, with annual financial audits and independent oversight?"
if the election were held today, would you vote yes in favor of this ballot measure or no to
oppose it? (IF YES/NO ASK): "Is that definitely (YES/NO) or just probably (YES/NO)?" (IF
-UNDECIDED,-ASK:)- Well,-do- you_lean_towards_voting- yes or no?_
Definitely yes ---------------------------------31 %
Probably yes------------------=----------------20%
Undecided, lean yes------------------------- 6%
TOTAL YES------------------------------------57%
Undecided, lean no----------------------------2%
Probably no ----------------------------------=-10 %
Definitely no-----------------------------------19%
TOTAL NO -------------------------------------31 %
(DON'T READ) Need more info ---------1 1 %
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 1 %
(ASK Q6 ONLY IF YES/NO IN Q5)
6. Why would you vote. (YES/NO) on this measure? (OPEN-END; RECORD VERBATIM
RESPONSE BELOW)
a. Yes
Library is outdated/needs updating----------------
--------44%
It is needed (general)
--------37 %
Will improve the community
23%
New police building is needed-----------------------
----------6%
Will improve public. services
----------4 %
Parking improvements needed
----------3%
Other---------------------------------------------------------
----------3 %
Nothing/DK/Refused
----------2 %
b. No
No need/Happy with way things are----------------------42%
Costs too much --------------------------------------------------24%
Would raise taxes ------------------------------------=----------10 %
Don't use the services -------------------------------------------5 %
Police do not need new building------------------------------2%
Other-----------------------------------------------------------------21 %
Nothing/D K/Refused ----------------------------------------------2 %
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 220-2260-WT Page 4
(RESUME ASKING ALL. RESPONDENTS)
7. What if the - Town of Los Gatos bond measure that I just described to you . were for
(READ EACH, RECORD), instead of 95 million dollars? If that were the
case, would you vote yes in favor of it, or no to oppose it? (IF YES/NO, ASK:) "Is that
definitely (YES/NO) or just probably?" (IF UNDECIDED, ASK:) Well, do you lean towards
voting yes or no?
(SPLIT C READ TOP TO
BOTTOM,
IF CODE
1 "DEF
YES" ON
HIGHER AMOUNT,
SKIP
LOWER AMOUNTS AND CODE AS "
DEF YES")
SPLIT D READ BOTTOM
TO TOP,
IF CODE
6 "DEF
NO" ON
LOWER. AMOUNT,
SKIP
HIGHER AMOUNTS AND CODE AS DEF NO")
DEF
PROB
LEAN
LEAN
P,°.OB DEF
(DK/
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO NO
NA)
(DO NOT ROTATE - SPLIT C)
a. 80 million dollars---------------29%------
--21 %---------7%----
------2%----------7%------20%.------15%
b. 50 million dollars-------------
--37%------
--17%---------6%----
------2%----------6%0------19%------13%
C. 30 million dollars-------------
--38
--17 %---------6
------2 %----------5%- 17% ------15 %
NEXT, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE IMPACT OF A POSSIBLE BOND MEASURE ON
YOUR PROPERTY TAXES. PROPERTY TAXES ARE BASED ON THE ASSESSED VALUE OF YOUR
HOME, WHICH IS BASED ON WHAT YOU PAID FOR YOUR HOME, NOT THE MARKET VALUE.
YOUR CURRENT ANNUAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE APPROXIMATELY ONE PERCENT OF YOUR
HOME'S ASSESSED VALUE. SO IF YOU NOW PAY ABOUT SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR
IN PROPERTY TAXES, YOUR HOME'S ASSESSED VALUE IS ABOUT SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS.
8. Suppose that this bond measure to build a library, community center and a police facility
and expand parking resulted in an annual property tax increase of (READ
EACH, RECORD) per 100 thousand dollars of assessed value. Would you vote yes in favor
of it or no to oppose it? (IF YES/NO ASK): "Is that definitely (YES/NO) or just probably
(YES/NO)?" (IF UNDECIDED, ASK:) Well, do you lean towards voting yes or no?
(SPLIT C READ TOP TO
BOTTOM,
IF CODE
1 "DEF
YES" ON
HIGHER AMOUNT,
SKIP
LOWER AMOUNTS AND CODE AS "
DEF YES")
SPLIT D READ BOTTOM
TO TOP,
IF CODE
6 "DEF
NO" ON
LOWER AMOUNT,
SKIP
HIGHER AMOUNTS AND CODE AS DEF NO")
DEF
PROB
LEAN
LEAN
PROB
DEF.
(DK/
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
NA)
(DO NOT ROTATE)
a. 95 dollars per year------------14%--------10%------
---4%----
------4%---------13%-----49%---
----6%
b. 80 dollars per year--------=-
--1 5%------
--11%
---4%----
------2%---------15%---
--46%---
----7%
C. 50 dollars per year
22% 14%---------3
------3 %---------13 %
40 %
6%
d. 30 dollars per year ------28 %--------18
---4%----
------3 %---------10%
33%
5%
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 220-2260-WT Page 5
9. The final structure of this bond measure has not been determined, and the Town of Los
Gatos is considering a number of alternative proposals. I am going to read you brief
descriptions of a few alternative bond measures; only one of them may ultimately be
placed on the ballot. After I read a description of each alternative, please tell me whether
you think you would vote yes in favor of it, or no to oppose it. (IF YES/NO ASK): "Is that
definitely (YES/NO) or just probably (YES/NO)?" (IF UNDECIDED, ASK: Well, do you lean .
towards voting yes or no?) (ROTATE)
[ ]a. An 80 million dollar
bond measure to build
a library and
community. center and
expanded parking
- [
]b.---A 20 million dollar bond
measure to build a
police facility and
expanded parking---------
DEF PROB
YES YES
-23% 22%-----
9
-18 %--------29%
LEAN
LEAN
LEAN
PROB
DEF
(DK/
YES
NO
NO
NO
NA)
-5% 3%---------15%
26%
4%
-5%
4%
15
23%
-
5%
NOW I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU SOME OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT ISSUES IN LOS GATOS.
10. Overall, how would you rate the job being done by the Town of Los Gatos in providing
services and taking care of the needs of local residents? Would you say the Town of Los
Gatos is doing an...?.
Excellent ---------------------------------------23 %
Good 56%
Just fair, or ------------------------------------16 %
Poor job -------------------------------------------4 %
(DON'T KNOW/NA)---------------------------1 %
11. And how would you rate the job being done by Town government in managing the Town's
budget and finances? Would you say the Town of Los Gatos is doing an...?
Excellent
---------12 %
Good
---------48%
Just fair, or
---------16 %
Poor job
-----------5 %
(DON'T KNOW/NA)
---------19 %
12. 1 am going to read a short list of public services in the Town of Los Gatos. For each one,
please tell me if you think it has a great need for additional funding, some need, a little
need or no real need for additional funding. (ROTATE)
(DON'T
GREAT
SOME
LITTLE
NO
READ)
NEED
NEED
NEED
NEED
DK/NA
[ ]a.
Police protection
12%
37%
23%
25%
------------4 %
[ I b.
Public libraries
32%
38%
-------1 1 %
---15 %
------------4 %
[ I c.
Neighborhood parks
14%
38%
-------19 %
27%
------------2 %
[ Id.
Services for seniors
13% 37%
-------14 %
---16 %
-----------19 %
[ le.
Public schools-----------------------------
20%
34%
-------13 %
26%
------------7 %
[ If.
Street and road maintenance
34%
39%
-------15%
---12 %
------------0 %
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 22n-2260-WT Page 6
NOW I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU A FEW MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL TOWN OF
LOS GATOS BALLOT MEASURE I DESCRIBED EARLIER: A 95 MILLION BOND MEASURE TO
BUILD A LIBRARY, COMMUNITY CENTER AND A POLICE FACILITY, AND EXPAND PARKING FOR
THOSE FACILITIES.
13. I'm going to read you a list of three primary ways that the money from this measure might
be used. Regardless of how you might be voting on the measure, please tell me which of
the three items you think is the most important use of money from the measure. (ROTATE)
(FOLLOW UP BY ASKING: And which do you think is the second-most important?)
FIRST SECOND
CHOICE CHOICE
[ ] Building a larger library with updated computer
technology, space for an expanded book collection,
-Improved-reading-areas for children and_expanded_parki.ng ---,---45_0/6------------------ 22%---- -
[ ] Building a community center with space for
meetings, community events, senior activities and
expanded parking----------------------------------------------
[ ] Building a larger police building with safer areas for
crime victims and witnesses, improved facilities for
emergency dispatch and expanded parking
1 9 %-----------------------42 %
19% 42
26
21%
(DON'T READ)
(ALL) =-------------------------------2 %-------------------------2 %
(NONE) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 %-------------------------8 %
(DON'T KNOW/NA)------------------------------------------------------=------------2%-------------------------4%
14. Next, I am going to read you a list of specific projects that could be funded by this bond
measure. As I read each one, please tell me how important it is to you: extremely
important, very important, somewhat important, or not important. (ROTATE)
(DON'T
EXT VERY SMWT NOT READ)
IMPT IMPT IMPT IMPT DK/NA
[ ]a. Ensuring adequate facilities for police 9-1-1
dispatchers to improve emergency response ------------17% 38% 29% 12% 4%
[ ]b. Expanding parking areas for the library and civic
center area
--1 1 %
24% 41%
21%
2%
[ ]c.
Improving the safety of crime victims and
witnesses by building separate interview rooms
for victims and suspects
7%-----
23% 39%
23%
8%
[ ]d.
Building facilities for community events,
programs and meetings----------------------------------------
3%
17% 47%
31%
2%
[ ]e.
Ensuring that disabled people have equal access
to the library, community center and Town Hall------
--20%
40%------27%---
12%---
1 %
[ If.
Expanding children's reading areas in the library
--1 1 %
30%------ 34%
24%---
----1 %
[ ]g.
Building more secure storage for crime evidence,
weapons and ammunition at the police facility
---5%
14%------39%---
29%---
13%
[ ]h.
Adding group study areas for students at the
library
7%-----
23% 39%
28%
2%
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES
[ ]i. Upgrading and repairing public restrooms at the
library and Town Hall facilities
[ ]j. Improvin.g entrances, signs and walkways so
residents can find the right Town office more
easily-----------------------------------------------------------
[ ]k. Adding new computer areas in the library for
research, Internet access and technology
education
11. Expanding space for books to accommodate a
larger book collection at the Library-----------------
[ ]m. Creating a central, one-stop customer service
area for residents to access all Town services
and information ---7----------------------------------------
[ ]n. Upgrading computer, technology to improve
customer service at Town Hall
220-2260-WT Page 7
(DON'T
EXT VERY SMWT NOT READ)
IMPT IMPT IMPT IMPT DK/NA
-5% 16% 46% 24% 9 %o
5%
14%
43%
37%
1 %
1 1%----
28%
35%
- 24%
1%
10%
33%
35%
21%
1%
10%
26%
37%
25%
2%
9%
19%
48%
18%
-
6%
15. Next, I am going to read a list of provisions that could be included in this ballot measure.
After I read each one, please tell me whether you would be more likely or less likely,to
support the ballot measure if that feature were included. (IF MORE/LESS LIKELY, ASK: Is
that much MORE/LESS LIKELY or just somewhat?) (ROTATE)
MUCH SMWT SMWT MUCH (DON'T READ)
MORE MORE LESS LESS (NO
LIKELY LIKELY LIKELY LIKELY DIFF) (DK/NA)
[ ]a. An independent committee of Los
Gatos citizens would review all
expenditures-------------------------------------- 30%
[ ]b. Expenditures would be subject to
annual, independent financial audits-----43%
[ ]c. Low-income senior citizens could
choose to defer or delay payment of
the additional property taxes until
their home was sold 34%
[ Id. None of the bond funds could be
spent on salaries for Town
employees---------------------------------------- 40%
38%
10% 7% -----10%--
--4%
34% 7%
- 5% 8%
2%
33% 79%-
12% 9%
4%
25%
1 1%
12% 8%
4%
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 22n-2260-WT Page 8
16. Now I am going to read you a list of arguments in favor of the 95 million bond measure to
build a library, community center, a police facility, and expanded parking for Town
facilities. After I read each one, please tell me whether it makes you more inclined to vote
in favor of the measure. If you don't believe the statement or if it makes no difference in
your opinion, please tell me that too. (IF MORE INCLINED, ASK:) Is that much more
inclined or just somewhat? (ROTATE)
[ ]a
[ ]b
[ ]c.
[ ]d
[ ]e.
[ ]f.
MUCH
MORE
INCL
Acting now to expand and repair
our library and town facilities will
save Los Gatos taxpayers money in
the long run, because building
construction gets more expensive
each year.
17%
The Los Gatos police station is
overcrowded and badly in need of
expansion: the 9-1-1 dispatching
center is a multipurpose location
with lots of distractions; there is no
space to separate crime victims
from suspects; and there is no
properly secure space to store
ammunition or evidence.
35%
Renovating the Los Gatos Library
will improve study space for teens,
space for more books, and story
time areas for children, as well as
expanded computer learning areas
for the whole community. 35%
The current Town office facilities
are overcrowded, and spread over
several buildings, and it is difficult
for residents to find the right office.
This bond measure includes funding
to create a central, one-stop
customer service center for
accessing all Town departments.
19%
This measure includes strict
provisions to ensure that all money
will be spent as promised, including
independent financial audits and a
citizens oversight committee.
36%
Los Gatos is lacking a place where
the community can gather for
public events, community meetings,
classes or senior activities. This
bond measure will improve our
town facilities and give residents a
place to come together.
22%
SW (DON'T
MORE (LESS . DON'T NO READ)
INCL INCL) BELIEVE EFFECT DK/NA
2 8 % -------9 %---------18% 25 3 %
35%
-------3
10
--13%
4%
35%
-------6
-7
--17
--1 %
33% 11%--------10% 25%-----2%
34% -------4 %----------8 %---------16% 3%
26% ------10 %--------20 %--------21 %-----1
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 220-2260-WT Page 9 .
17. Now that you have heard more about it, let me ask you again about the potential 95 million
bond measure to build a library, a community center, a police facility, and improve disabled
access and expand parking at these facilities. If the election were held today, would you
vote yes. in favor of it or no to oppose this ballot measure? (IF YES/NO ASK): "Is that
definitely (yes/no) or just probably (yes/no)?" (IF UNDECIDED, ASK:) Well, do you lean
towards voting yes or no?
Definitely yes --------------------------------24%
Probably yes-----------------------------------20%
Undecided, lean yes 7%
TOTAL YES------------------------------------51 %
Undecided, lean no----------------------------4%
Probably no ------------------------------------14%
Definitely no 24%
TOTAL NO -------------------------------------42%
(DON'T READ) Need more info-----------6%
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 1 %
(ASK Q1 7X IF YES/NO IN Q17) .
17X. And why do you think you would you vote (YES/NO) on this measure? . (OPEN-END;
RECORD VERBATIM RESPONSE BELOW)
a. Yes
It is needed (general) -------------------------------------------36 %
Need a new library/Libraries are important
-------17%
It will improve city services----------------------------------16%
Investment in the future/for the children---------
---------9%
Need more information
---------9%
Need a new Police building-------------------------------------6%
Need the infrastructure (general)-------------=------
---------3%
For the community center --------------------------------------2 %
Other----------------------------------------------------------
---------8 %
Nothing/DK/Refused
---------5 %
b. No
Costs too much
-34%
We don't need it/no need for changes------------------
-26%
Will raise taxes
- 21%
Need more information
-16%
City wastes the money they already have-------------
---3%
Against new Police building---------------------------------
---2 %
Against new Library
---2 %
For new Police Department, not the rest---------------
---1 %
For new Library, not the rest-------------------------------
---1 %
Other----------------------------------------------------------------
---4 %
Nothing/D K/Ref used
---2 %
FAIRBANK, MAKIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 22n-2260-WT Page 10
(RESUME ASKING ALL RESPONDENTS)
THESE ARE MY FINAL QUESTIONS, AND THEY ARE FOR CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY.
18. Which of the following newspapers do you read regularly: (READ LIST; ACCEPT MULTIPLE
RESPONSES)
The San Jose Mercury-News------------73%
The Los Gatos Weekly Times -----------46%
The Los Gatos Daily News ---------------20%
The San Francisco Chronicle------------12%
(DON'T READ) OTHER-----------------------6%
(DON'T READ) DK/NA/REFUSED--------- 6%
19. Do you (READ LIST)
Own a -single family home-- ----------72%_
Own . a condominium 9%
Rent an apartment or home--------------15%
(DON'T READ) DK/NA/REFUSED--------- 4%
20. What was the last level of school that you completed?
Grades 1-8-------------------------=-----------
--0%
Grades 9-12-----------------------------------
--2%
High School graduate
--3%
Less than 4 years of college-------------
18%
College graduate (4)------------------------
36%
Post graduate work/
Professional school
38%
(DON'T READ) Refused
--2%
21. Do you have any children under the age of 19 living at home?
Yes -----------------------------------------------32%
No-------------------------------------------------66 %
(DON'T READ) DK/NA 2%
22. With which racial or ethnic group do you identify yourself: Latino or Hispanic, White or
Caucasian, Black or African-American, Asian-American, or some other ethnic or racial
background?
Hispanic/Latino ---------------------------------2 %
White /Caucasian 86%
Black/African-American ---------------------1 %
Asian-American --------------------------------2%
Other (SPECIFY ) ----------------------3%
(DON'T READ) DK/NA/REFUSED--------- 6%
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 22n-2260-WT
Page 11
.23. In what year were you born?
1989-1983 (18-24)
----3 %
1982-1978 (25-29)
----4%
1977-1973 (30-34)
5%
1972-19.68 (35-39)
----6%
1967-1963 (40-44)
--1 1 %
1962-1958 (45-49)
--12 %
1957-1953 (50-54)
--1 1 %
1952-1948 (55-59)
----9 %
1947-1943 (60-64)
--10%
1942-1933 (65-74)
--12%
1932 or earlier (75 & over)-----------
--12%
(DON'T READ) Refused
----5%
24. 1 don't need to know the exact amount, but please stop me when I read the category that
_ --includes the-total income for-your household-before taxes-in 2006: --Was-it:
Under $50,000 a year---------------------11 %
$ 50,001 to $100,000---------------------19 %
$100,001 to $150,000------=------------16 %
$150,001 to $200,000 10%
$200,001 to $250,000---------------------8%
Over $250,000-------------------------------16%
(DON'T READ) Refused -------------------20%
FAIRBANK, MASLIN, MAULLIN & ASSOCIATES 22n-2260-WT Page 12
THANK AND TERMINATE
GENDER (BY OBSERVATION): Male----------------------------------------------47%
Female------------------------------------------- 53%
REGISTRATION: Democrat---------------------------------------41 %
Republican 39%
Decline to State------------------------------17%
Other-----------------------------------------------3 %
Name Precinct #
Address Interviewer
Zip Voter ID#
Phone # Cluster#
FLAGS
P02
------42 %
G02
60%
R03
74%
P04-------------------------------------61 %
G04
-----93%
N05-------------------------------------81 %
P06
------58 %
Blank
--------0 %
VOTE BY MAIL
1-----------------------------------
------14 %
2-----------------------------------
--------8 %
3 +
------30 %
Blank
------48 %
PERMANENT ABSENTEE
Yes
----42 %
No
58%
HOUSEHOLD PARTY TYPE
D e m 1
----19 %
D e m 2 +
----10 %
Rep 1
----17 %
Rep 2 +
----15 %
Ind 1 +
----17 %
Mix
22%