KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A new survey shows that Kalamazoo residents are a little less optimistic about the future, and a little more unhappy with city services than they were two years ago.
The survey by the National Research Center has been done in Kalamazoo every two years for over a decade now.
Pollster Joe Dellolio says it showed that local residents have the same concerns that other Americans do, such as uneasiness about the economy, affordability, and personal finances.
The survey showed a dip in support for the city’s water utilities, but Mayor David Anderson asked if that could have been because they took the poll just as the city announced double digit rate hikes. Dellolio says it definitely could.
Anderson says if there have been failings it wasn’t for lack of trying.
The survey also showed most residents support Public Safety and even higher numbers like the EMS and fire services provided by the department.
The respondents gave higher marks to the arts community than they did two years ago, and lower marks to public education.
Commissioners will take the results into consideration when they begin setting priorities for their next budget at a retreat scheduled for mid-month.
reporting from John McNeill
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