The Shadow
A survey containing 14 significant questions was recently mailed to all registered voters in Covington’s District One by Covington Councilman Bill Zimmerman.
Thirteen percent of District One’s 583 voters completed and returned the surveys.
“The survey is by no means scientific in design, and may not represent the community as a whole,” Zimmerman said this week. “Professionals who conduct surveys similar to this one indicate that a 12 percent return rate is preferred because it adds validity to the results.”
The first three questions on the survey concerned consolidation.
Those completing the survey had the option of choosing one of three responses: Yes, No, or Not Sure.
Question one was: Consolidating into a large city is the best way.
Question two: Consolidating into a large county is the best way.
Question three: Creating a tier city (town) and county is best.
“Respondents were just about evenly split on the question of whether they wanted the community to become a large city: 40 percent for, 44 percent against, and 16 percent not sure,” Zimmerman said. “However, the voters in District One concluded that they did not wish to become a large county by 75 percent. Eleven percent were in favor, and 14 percent weren’t sure. On the question of becoming a tier city: 15 percent said yes; 61 percent said no; and 24 percent were not sure.”
Questions four, five and six dealt with performance ratings of the city manager, police department, and animal control.
Question four: Is Covington’s city manager doing a good job?
The citizens were just about evenly split on this question. Thirty percent said yes; 31 percent answered no and 39 percent weren’t sure.
Question five: Is the Covington Police Department doing a good job? Sixty-five percent said that the police department is doing a good job, 21 percent disagreed, and 14 percent weren’t sure.
Question six was: Is Covington doing a good job in animal control? Thirty-six percent said yes; 46 percent said no; and 18 percent weren’t sure.
Questions seven, eight and nine concern ways that the city could tighten expenses to meet the financial challenges of the next few years.
Question seven was: Due to funding cuts, should the city raise taxes? Twenty-two percent replied yes; 60 percent answered no; and 18 percent were not sure.
Question eight: The city should not raise taxes but lay off employees. Thirteen percent said yes; 74 percent answered no; and 13 percent were not sure.
Question nine: The city should not raise taxes, but should reduce services. Twenty percent agreed; 62 percent disagreed; and 18 percent weren’t sure.
The next two questions involve the future of the former Rivermont School.
Question 10: Do you favor abandoning Rivermont School?
Twenty-one percent answered yes; 68 percent replied no; and 11 percent were not sure.
Question 11: Do you favor senior apartments at Rivermont School? Eighty percent agreed; 12 percent disagreed, and 8 percent were not sure.
The last three questions are stand alone questions not connected with each other.
Question 12: Should blight and junked vehicle laws be enforced?
An overwhelming 95 percent agreed with this statement; 3 percent disagreed; and 2 percent weren’t sure.
Question 13: Are you OK with 35 mph on Alleghany Avenue? Seventy-four percent said yes; 23 percent said no; and 3 percent were not sure.
The last question dealt with economic development.
Are economic development efforts satisfactory? Twelve percent agreed; 58 percent disagreed; and 30 percent were not sure.
“I want to thank the registered voters in District One for completing these surveys and returning them. Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts and wishes on which direction that you want the city to take,” Zimmerman said.
“I also appreciate the residents who used the comment lines on the survey cards to address other city matters that need attention. I will work with council and the city manager to implement the results of the survey and get the other problems fixed. Thanks for all of your words of encouragement,” Zimmerman concluded.
