Jan 15, 2007 5:01 pm US/Eastern
Project Mass.: What's On Your Mind?
by Jack Williams
FRAMINGHAM (CBS4) ―
We're all concerned about taxes, jobs, schools and the effectiveness of our government. This week, CBS4 begins a new initiative to shine a light on the important issues and institutions that directly affect each and every one of us. It's called Project Mass.
First up, the pulse of the people. What are you worried about? CBS4's Jack Williams got an earful when he asked that question to the lunch crowd in Framingham.
"I worry about the future of our kids," one man answered.
"We need new jobs," said another woman.
"We're gonna see what this Deval Patrick guy does," said another lunch-goer.
Confidence"I have absolutely no confidence in the Massachusetts government," one woman told Jack Williams.
And she's not alone. When we polled 500 adults and asked "How confident are you that our elected officials will spend tax dollars wisely?" our exclusive Fast Track found that 76 percent said they had little or no confidence, a strong warning to every politician at every level.
Full Survey Results: Mood of MassachusettsGovernor Patrick"I think he'll [Gov. Patrick] have a positive effect," Williams was told by a man in Framingham.
"He says he can do it, so I'm a little optimistic about the state of Massachusetts," said another.
And that's what you said in our Fast Tack. A majority believes the new governor will have a positive effect on our lives, but he's in the honeymoon period now and will have to deliver on his promises.
Full Survey Results: Mood of MassachusettsProperty Taxes"How concerned are you about property taxes?" we asked in our Fast Track - and Williams asked of the lunch crowd.
"Very concerned," was one man's answer. "Concerned about taxes being raised in general."
And property tax relief is one of those promises Governor Patrick has already begun hedging a bit.
"Real estate taxes are going skyrocketing," one woman said.
And that has you worried. Seventy-one percent of those surveyed say they are "very" or "somewhat" concerned about property taxes. It's an issue we're going to see center stage this year.
Full Survey Results: Mood of MassachusettsHousing Costs"It's still not affordable to first time homebuyers, and I worry about our kids' future of how they're going to afford to live here," one man told Williams
This is a big one. Despite a dip in prices, we still live in a high cost state. Housing costs play a major role in people moving away or deciding to come here in the first place.
Seventy percent of our respondents rank housing costs a big worry.
Full Survey Results: Mood of MassachusettsEducation"How concerned are you about education?" Willams asked, and we asked hundreds of Massachusetts adults in our Fast Track, conducted by Survey USA.
"Oh, very concerned," was a common answer.
With an eye on the future prospects of the next generation, 76 percent put education high on their list for 2007.
In all, our Fast Track survey of 500 adults asked 20 questions about everything from cost of living, to healthcare and government issues.
Full Survey Results: Mood of Massachusetts
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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