Poll archive
Trains, Transit & Automobiles
[December 2005] | View chart |
SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation bill, authorized several northeastern Illinois projects. In addition to CREATE, the historic freight rail initiative, which projects should the state prioritize?
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Giving Thanks
[November 2005] | View chart |
Which of the following MPC accomplishments are you most thankful for this holiday season?
Dorothy was right: there is no place like home. More than a third (35 percent) of poll responders said they’re most thankful for the expansion of MPC’s employer-assisted housing model. The Community Building Initiative, which the Council officially launched this year, and the Regional Planning Board won the hearts of an equal number of voters (20 percent each), while A+ Illinois was appreciated by just 15 percent of poll respondents. Surprisingly, protecting our water resources – an essential life force for everyone – moved only a fraction (10 percent) of those responding. 20 responses.
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CHA Plan for Transformation
[August 2005] | View chart |
Now that we're six years into the Chicago Housing Authority Plan for Transformation, which of the following issues should be the top priority for CHA and city leaders?
The Plan for Transformation is the most significant urban transformation effort in the history of the United States, excluding rebuilding after natural catastrophes, of course. The success of this undertaking depends on more than the bricks and mortar redevelopment of public housing, which a majority of our poll respondents clearly appreciate. More than a third (37 percent) of those responding prioritized the promotion of economic self-sufficiency for the residents, 21 percent said decision-makers should pay attention to the area communities indirectly affected by the plan, while 13 percent said services for relocating families should be a top concern. Just about an equal number of respondents felt adequate funding to meeting production timelines and deepening internal reforms at CHA were most important. 104 responses.
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Restrictive Covenants
[June 2005] | View chart |
What do you think of the City of Chicago ordinance to prevent grocery stores and pharmacies from closing shop and using restrictive covenants to prevent a competitor from moving in?
Making national history, in September, Chicago’s City Council passed (47-0) the ordinance regulating the use of restrictive covenants for grocery stores and pharmacies in Chicago. While some aldermen felt the measure could have been tougher, all hailed its passage as a step in the right direction. And, a majority of our poll respondents (51 percent) agreed the City Council got it right. A third (33 percent) felt the ordinance should have been extended to ban covenants on fast food locations and gas stations as well. A small group (12 percent) voted in support of restrictive covenants as the right of property owners and market protection for major retailers. An even smaller group (three percent) felt the ordinance went to far, and should only apply to grocery stores. 88 responses.
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Governor's budget proposal
[March 2005] | View chart |
Gov. Rod Blagojevich has outlined an aggressive plan to address the state’s massive budget deficit (which he pegs at $1.1 billion) and fund critical programs. Which aspect of his plan stands the best chance of making it through the General Assembly?
While an overwhelming majority of poll respondents (54 percent) predicted that upping the cigarette tax by 75 cents had the best chance of surviving the legislative session, that option didn't even make it into the final budget. The software tax to support public transit, which received the fewest votes (five percent), didn’t go anywhere either. About an equal number of you thought changing the pension system (15 percent), eliminating the tax exemption on methane gas (14 percent), or sweeping dedicated funds (13 percent) were the most viable. The governor did negotiate minor changes to the pension system, but he did not realize anything near the $800 million in savings he projected. And, while the final budget did sweep some of the dedicated funds, several attempts to reach the Office of Management and Budget to confirm which were swept and of how much have been unsuccessful. It’s also not clear that all of these fund dollars will be re-directed to schools. 99 responses.
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Water Quantity & Quality
[December 2004] | View chart |
On the shores of Lake Michigan, few people worry about water quantity or quality. However, over the next few decades, water will become northeastern Illinois' most important issue. What is the key water issue facing your community today?
Polluted streams and diminishing water supply were the top concerns of poll respondents, earning 35 percent and 32 percent, respectively. The other third was pretty evenly split between radium in the drinking water (16 percent) and flooding (17 percent). 108 responses.
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Illinois General Assembly Veto Session
[November 2004] | View chart |
The Illinois General Assembly is convening for a six-day veto session, beginning Monday, Nov. 8. Given the tight timeframe, what should the legislature make its top priority?
This year's veto session lived up to its name. Illinois' legislators overrode five of seven gubernatorial vetos. (They failed at attempts to override Gov. Blagojevich's vetos of bills increasing truck speed to 65 and repealing a ban of ATVs in state parks.) The General Assembly did not take on any of the high profile issues making headlines this fall: transit funding; education funding reform; casino gaming; or medical malpractice. A rental housing support bill, which MPC endorsed, did pass one house -- but didn't make it through the other during the short session. Of all of these issues, transit funding was important to poll respondents, with 45 percent saying it should be the legislature's top priority. Rental housing support was second, with 24 percent; medical malpractice received 16 percent; casino gaming and education reform both received eight percent. (38 responses over 12-day period)
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Chicagoland TRIPS
[October 2004] | View chart |
What information would you most likely seek from a Chicagoland TRIPS kiosk?
Chicagoland TRIPS -- Traveler Resource and Itinerary Planning System – provides kiosk access to information about popular destinations, attractions and events in the Chicago region, as well as public transit routes and schedules. MPC's Web site users overwhelmingly chose RTA's transit maps, routes and schedules (60 percent) as the information they'd most likely seek from Chicagoland TRIPS. Information from the Mayor's Office of Special Events on events and attractions was the next most popular feature (20 percent). Twelve percent responded that tips for using public transit as their preferred offering. A mere eight percent of those responding chose regional dining and lodging options, courtesy of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. 25 responses.
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Regional Housing Options
[August 2004] | View chart |
What kind of housing does northeastern Illinois need most to remain competitive?
The single-family home may be someone's idea of the American dream. But, a combined 31 percent of our respondents chose multi-family (nine percent) and mixed-use (22 percent) as being needed most for a competitive region. Only 11 percent chose single-family. Mixed-income housing -- which could be multi-family or single-family, rental or for sale -- received 24 percent. Not entirely surprising, the largest majority of respondents (33 percent) chose "all of the above." 148 responses.
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U.S. Senate Priorities
[June 2004] | View chart |
In November, Illinois will elect a new U.S. Senator. What should his top priority be?
It’s the economy, Senator. One third (33 percent) of poll respondents ranked promoting economic development and job growth as the top priority for Illinois’ new senator. It was a toss-up for second place. Ensuring Illinois receives its fair share of federal transportation dollars, and protecting federal programs that support affordable housing options for local residents both received 21 percent of the vote. Twelve percent opted for providing adequate federal funding and resources to meet expectations set for public schools by No Child Left Behind, while 13 percent felt another issue should be top priority. 126 responses.
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Chicago's Mixed-Income Communities
[May 2004] | View chart |
What is the best way to support mixed-income neighborhoods, one of the cornerstones of the CHA Plan for Transformation?
Thirty percent of visitors believe the best strategy is to provide self-sufficiency and other supportive services for former public housing residents. Running a very close second, at 29 percent, is to ensure that quality schools are available to support the new housing. Participation of local employers, who can give their employees incentives to live in the new neighborhoods, garnered 17 percent. Fourteen percent ranked improving the neighborhood life surrounding the new homes as most important. 66 votes cast.
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Transportation Investment Priorities
[April 2004] | View chart |
What is the most important criteria for evaluating a new transportation project?
Forty percent of MPC Web visitors were most interested in the economic development impacts of a transportation project, while 28 percent believed it should serve the largest possible population. Seventeen percent wanted to see better efficiency for motorists, and 15 percent wanted it to be in an underserved community. No one cared whether or not it used cutting-edge technology. 60 votes cast.
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Sustainable Growth
[March 2004] | View chart |
If I were to buy a new house, the most important attribute would be:
MPC Web site visitors overwhelmingly value a thriving neighborhood: 79 percent cited a walkable community with shops and transit as the biggest selling point on a new house. Nine percent would prefer a design that is sensitive to the surrounding environment, while six percent wanted the opposite: a large house on a large piece of land. Three percent wanted to be near an interstate highway, and three percent cared about none of these. 181 votes cast.
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Chicago's CivicNet
[February 2004] | View chart |
Should the City of Chicago move ahead with CivicNet, the plan to leverage existing telecom spending to encourage City vendors to extend broadband infrastructure to neighborhoods in need?
Nearly half (46 percent) of MPC Web site visitors believed the digital divide was still a reality in the Chicago region. Thirty-one percent were in favor of CivicNet because they thought it would save money. Twenty-three percent were against moving ahead with CivicNet: 19 percent of those did not believe it would deliver the savings it promised; 4 percent believed broadband service in Chicago was adequate. 48 votes cast.
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A New Illinois FIRST
[January 2004] | View chart |
With Illinois FIRST due to expire in June 2004, what should the General Assembly focus on for the next state investment program?
Not surprisingly, the largest slice of MPC Web site visitors (30 percent) wanted to see transit expansion. Tied for second place was broadening the program to include school building-type projects, and improving economic development initiatives, which both gathered 21 percent of votes. Eighteen percent wanted to see something entirely new, and only 11 percent cited better accountability through project selection criteria as a top priority. 57 votes cast.
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Priorities for 2004
[December 2003] | View chart |
What should MPC's highest priority be in 2004?
Visitors to MPC's Web site urged the organization to focus on property tax and education reform: 37% cited it as a top priority for 2004. Twenty percent wanted to see better resources to encourage the creation of affordable housing, 17 percent wanted to ensure that future transportation projects fit better with their surroundings, and 10 percent wanted better protections for Illinois' wetlands. Seventeen percent wanted MPC to focus on something else altogether. 84 votes cast.
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Balancing the CTA Budget
[November 2003] | View chart |
What do you think of the various plans to balance the CTA's budget?
More than half of MPC's Web site visitors (53%) weren't that miffed about Chicago Transit Authority plans to raise fairs, provided that fare hikes came along with improvements in service. A third (33%) believed that fares should not be raised at all, and 14% wanted to see a smaller increase in fares combined with modest service cuts. 86 votes cast.
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Employment Benefits
[October 2003] | View chart |
What is the most innovative new employment benefit taking hold in northeastern Illinois?
In the end, MPC Web site visitors (36%) valued access to home ownership over being able to take yoga classes during their lunch breaks (28%). Pre-tax transit was the next-most-appealing benefit, with 19 percent of votes, and 16 percent of visitors wanted to be able to telecommute. 88 votes cast.
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Coach Houses
[September 2003] | View chart |
Should the City of Chicago permit coach houses in its updated zoning ordinance?
A solid majority of MPC Web site voters favored coach houses in Chicago's new zoning ordinance. Fifty-six percent liked coach houses for the possibility of expanded affordable housing options (49%) or extra income for homeowners (7%). Forty-four percent were against them, saying that coach houses increase density (26%) or are not necessarily affordable (18%).
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Broadband Access
[August 2003] | View chart |
Are you satisfied with the Internet connection you're using right now?
Poll results confirmed MPC's suspicion--that significant swaths (38% of MPC Web site visitors) of Chicagoland do not have access to the broadband services they need. Thirty-two percent were happy with their service, 28 percent were unsatisfied with their current connection, and two percent were satisfied, but planning to upgrade soon.
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Block 37
[July 2003] | View chart |
Plans for Block 37, in Chicago's Loop, finally seem to be moving forward, due in part to the fact that it will be developed in stages. What part of the plans is most important?
MPC Web site visitors were most excited about the transit plans going along with Block 37 development that call for new express CTA trains to the airports (41%). Nearly a third (32%) wanted to be sure plans included open, public space within the block, 13% were interested in shops fronting State Street, 12% wanted not only to board express trains to the airport but check in for their flights as well, and 2% wanted something finer: a fancy hotel. 126 votes cast.
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Illinois FIRST 2002 Accomplishments
[May 2003] | View chart |
What was the most important 2002 accomplishment of Illinois FIRST?
MPC Web site visitors were happy to see stops along the CTA Blue line made usable for people with disabilities (31%) and Wacker Drive re-open (30%). They also approved of economic development initiatives (18%). Only 16 percent believed it was all a big waste of money, and a handful of folks (4%) were excited about those automated messages on Metra trains. 116 votes cast.
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CHA Plan for Transformation
[April 2003] | View chart |
What is the biggest challenge faced by the CHA as it transforms public housing?
MPC Web poll voters were most concerned with residents receiving needed support (30%) and ensuring that their moves made positive contributions to their new neighborhoods (31%). Others (22%) voiced the concern that is often reflected in the news media--that not enough units will be available to residents who need them. Ten percent thought CHA's biggest challenge was overcoming negative public perceptions of the agency, and six percent thought it was in keeping track of residents. 96 votes cast.
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Commute Part 2
[March 2003] | View chart |
How long is your commute, door to door?
It was a pretty even split on commute times, and only an unfortunate two percent spend more than 90 minutes each day. Seventeen percent spent less than 15 minutes commuting, 29% spent 16-30, 27% spent 31-45 and a final quarter spent 46-90 minutes. 93 votes cast.
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Commute
[March 2003] | View chart |
How do you get to work?
Nearly two-thirds of MPC's Web site visitors live by our principals: 39% take a train to work, 11% take a bus and 10% walk or ride a bike. Thirty-three percent drive, and a final seven percent have no commute or use more than one mode. 89 votes cast.
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Budget Crisis
[February 2003] | View chart |
How do you think Gov. Blagojevich will balance Illinois' budget, which some put at a $5 billion deficit?
MPC site visitors have learned from the past; 56 percent recognized that Gov. Blagojevich would require multiple solutions to plug Illinois' multi-billion-dollar budget hole. Twenty-four percent predicted he would break his campaign promise and raise taxes, 10 percent thought he could really streamline State operations enough to fill the gap, six percent saw hope in a casino license and four percent expected a new tax on services. 80 votes cast.
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1000 S. Michigan Ave.
[January 2003] | View chart |
Do you support development plans for 1000 S. Michigan Ave.?
A little bird told us neighbors to 1000 S. Michigan may have skewed this poll's results. A third (35%) of participants were against the project for blocking their views of the park, while 32% took the opposite view: they liked it because it did seem to fit with the neighborhood. Twenty-two percent didn't like it because they said it didn't fit with the historic scale along Michigan Ave., and 8% liked the project's pedestrian-friendly features. 251 votes cast.
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A better region for 2003
[December 2002] | View chart |
What is your 2002 holiday wish for a better region?
MPC Web site visitors' holiday visions were of better schools (32%) and high-speed rail (23%). Fourteen percent wanted a shorter commute, 10% wanted better housing options and 21% wanted something else altogether. 112 votes cast.
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CTA improvements
[November 2002] | View chart |
What improvement would you like to see the CTA make?
A little less than a third of MPC Web site visitors (29%) wanted to see better bus service, and the same number wanted to see the Blue Line extended past O'Hare. Eighteen Percent wanted high-tech bus arrival information, and 13% wanted more 'L' trains. 146 votes cast.
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Rental Housing
[October 2002] | View chart |
An article in Crain's Chicago Business on Sept. 30 suggests that the rental housing market in Chicago has improved in recent years. What do you think?
MPC Web site visitors were skeptical that the regional housing crunch had improved, with 67% believing that rents were still impossible for working families. Twenty percent had seen enough 'for rent' signs to be convinced, and 13% did not know, but were in favor of more affordable housing options.
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Reforming Illinois Schools
[September 2002] | View chart |
With 400,000 children in Illinois at risk of being left behind in their schools, what is the most important element to improving education?
Like the public in general, MPC Web site visitors were torn as to the solution to Illinois' public education problem. Visitors were closely divided between adequate funding (33%) and better qualified teachers (31%) as the key piece of the reform puzzle. Seventeen percent thought better accountability mechanisms would improve education, and 16% wanted a new, innovative approach. Three percent focused on safer facilities (116 votes cast).
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Gubernatorial Views on Transportation
[August 2002] | View chart |
What can a new governor do to improve our transportation systems?
Transit seems to be the better choice for a healthier region, at least according to MPC Web site visitors. Thirty-six percent believed that government transportation funding should change so that the majority is spent on transit, while only 14% would advocate for more roads. Twenty-seven percent agreed with Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Ryan that transportation spending should be part of a comprehensive, statewide sensible growth strategy, and only nine percent went along with Dem. Rod Blagojevich's suggestion that the solution to Illinois' transportation woes was better leadership. Fourteen percent wanted something else entirely (22 votes cast).
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Gubernatorial Views on Housing
[August 2002] | View chart |
What are the important considerations in the development of affordable housing and how can a new governor help?
How often do you get exactly what you wish for? Fifty-six percent of visitors to the MPC Web site thought the solution to sensible growth was state incentives and technical assistance for planning, which, we learned this week, was made law with Gov. Ryan's signing of HB 4023. Congratulations to the Campaign for Sensible Growth!
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Gubernatorial Views on Sensible Growth
[August 2002] | View chart |
What steps would you like to see the next governor take to promote sensible growth in Illinois?
How often do you get exactly what you wish for? Fifty-six percent of visitors to the MPC Web site thought the solution to sensible growth was state incentives and technical assistance for planning, which, we learned this week, was made law with Gov. Ryan's signing of HB 4023. Congratulations to the Campaign for Sensible Growth!
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Gubernatorial Views on Education
[August 2002] | View chart |
Recent studies have demonstrated that schools are not meeting the needs of our children. What should the next governor of Illinois do to ensure that every child in the state receives an adequate education?
You can't do too much to improve Illinois schools, apparently. Fifty-three percent of MPC Web visitors thought the next governor should do everything he promised and then some; 13% liked Rep. Blagojevich's plan; 7% liked Atty. Gen. Ryan's ideas; another 7% embraced a 'roadmap for reform;' and 20% didn't like any of our ideas. (15 votes cast)
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Combatting Congestion on I-290
[July 2002] | View chart |
What measures should be taken to improve mobility on Interstate 290?
MPC Web site visitors love a good compromise solution. Forty-four percent thought the best way to improve mobility on Interstate 290 was to add both an additional lane and extend CTA service, while only 40% favored just the rail extension. An HOV lane got 11% of the vote, and an added vehicle lane alone got 5% (91 votes cast).
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2003 Budget Redux
[June 2002] | View chart |
What should be Illinois lawmakers' top priority in crafting a 2003 budget?
MPC site visitors didn't feel the state budget should be "balanced on the backs of the disadvantaged." Thirty-nine percent wanted to protect disadvantaged groups; 16% thought legislators' #1 priority should be avoiding any tax increase; another 16% wanted to protect public school programs; 3% wanted to protect state workers from layoffs; and a full quarter thought the 2003 budget should focus on different priorities altogether (61 votes cast).
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High speed rail in the Midwest
[April 2002] | View chart |
Is there any hope for high speed rail travel in the Midwest?
There was clearly a desire for high speed rail in the region among MPC site visitors: 44% believed there was hope for better options than sitting in cars in traffic. Twenty-nine percent were skeptical that it would happen anytime soon; 11% each thought the political will didn't exist or public opinion was ambivalent; and 5% thought it would never happen (206 votes cast).
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Gov. Ryan's 2003 Budget Proposal
[March 2002] | View chart |
What do you think of Gov. Ryan's budget for next year?
Overall MPC Web site visitors did not like Gov. Ryan's 2003 budget. Sixty-five percent said it made too many cuts in important social service and education programs. A quarter of respondents thought the question was irrelevant, given that the General Assembly wouldn't agree on it, and 10% thought it was A-OK (51 votes cast).
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Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates
[February 2002] | View chart |
Which Democratic gubernatorial candidate will do the best job improving quality of life for all in Illinois?
In the end, Blagojevich and Vallas were in a dead heat, with 38% of the MPC Web site vote each. Nineteen percent thought Burris was the best option, and 5% wanted someone else altogether (21 votes cast).
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Republican Gubernatorial Candidates
[February 2002] | View chart |
Which Republican gubernatorial candidate will do the best job improving quality of life for all in Illinois?
Lt. Gov. Corrine Wood, who has been outspoken in her support of sensible growth policies, was the clear choice for MPC Web poll voters. She gathered 95% of the vote, while Attorney General Jim Ryan got 5% and State Sen. Patrick O'Malley got no votes (19 votes cast).
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Gubernatorial Primary
[February 2002] | View chart |
Which gubernatorial candidate will do the best job improving quality of life for all in Illinois?
Always free thinkers, visitors to the MPC Web site have their own ideas about the 2002 gubernatorial race as well. Lt. Gov. Corinne Wood (R) was the winner of our February Virtual Election, with 35% of the vote, follwed neck-in-neck by Paul Vallas (D) at 24% and Rod Blagojevich (D) at 22%. Jim Ryan (R) brought up the rear at 10% and was followed closely by the unspecified "someone else" at 9% (68 votes cast).
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Prairie Parkway
[January 2002] | View chart |
Illinois (IDOT) is planning "Prairie Parkway." The region's third beltway, located west of the Fox River 40 miles from the Loop, would run north from I-80 through rural Kendall and Kane Counties to I-88 ... and eventually, to I-90. This is:
A majority (54%) of MPC Web site voters saw the proposed Prairie Parkway as an engine for sprawl. A quarter saw the benefit of reserving the land now for development that may be inevitable, and 21% wanted more information (104 votes cast).
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Safety vs. Sightly
[December 2001] | View chart |
What do you think about the "Jersey wall" and other anti-terrorist barriers being installed downtown around major buildings to protect against car-bombs?
MPC site visitors would like to see an improvement on the not-so-appealing concrete barriers around the Sears Tower and other Chicago monuments post Sept. 11, 2001. Final score: find a better alternative: 72%; leave 'em as they are: 17%; get rid of them at any cost: 11% (65 votes cast).
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Illinois FIRST
[November 2001] | View chart |
With both the economy and state tax revenues faltering, what should be done with Illinois FIRST, the state's 5-year, $12 billion public works program?
The experts told us we were officially in a recession this month, but MPC site visitors think Illinois FIRST is still wise spending. Final score: 78% say let it run, 22% say suspend it (36 votes cast).
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I-355 Extension
[October 2001] | View chart |
Should Interstate 355 be extended south, through northern Will County, between Interstates 55 and 80?
The consensus was soundly against the extension plan. Final tally: No to the extension, use the money for transit instead: 78%; Yes, give Joliet a hand: 22% (185 votes cast).
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Chicago Bears Stadium
[September 2001] | View chart |
What should Mayor Daley do in response to critics of his planned Bears Stadium at Soldier Field?
Supporters of the Soldier Field redevelopment alternative in Bridgeport came to the MPC Web site in droves in September, skewing poll results in their favor. Final Score: New park north of Comiskey 91%; indifference 5%; new stadium at Soldier Field 4% (493 votes cast).
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Mayor Daley's O'Hare Expanion Plan
[August 2001] | View chart |
Do you approve of Mayor Daley's proposed expansion plan for O'Hare, which includes new runways, western access, and eventually rail transit improvements?
The results of MPC's airport Web poll mimicked a recent Tribune/WGN-TV poll (Aug. 26, 2001) that found that across the region, people think O'Hare expansion makes the most sense. Finally tally: 59% in favor of O'Hare expansion, 26% in favor but with reservations, 15% opposed (74 votes cast).
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Personal technology
[July 2001] | View chart |
What is the most indispensable computer you use?
No one was surprised to see that MPC Web site visitors rely far more on their desktop PCs with Internet connection (80%) than any newfangled personal organizers (11%) or mobile phones (6%). Check back in a year or two ... (64 votes cast).
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McCormick Place expansion
[June 2001] | View chart |
Do you support Gov. Ryan's proposal to expand McCormick Place (to be paid for by extending the hotel, car rental and restaurant tax)?
Our Web site visitors always seem to be in favor of initiatives that favor economic development. Score: 51% pro-expansion, 36% against, 7% with a different revenue source, and 5% think the hotel tax should be phased out altogether (55 votes cast).
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Reconsider Gary, Ind. for 3rd Airport?
[May 2001] | View chart |
Should the Gary-Chicago Airport be considered as a site for the region's third airport?
The numbers speak for themselves: Gary got a resounding 83% of votes as the best site for an expanded regional airport; Peotone garnered 6% of votes, losing to an unspecified third location with 11% (212 votes cast).
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Highway Toll Increase
[April 2001] | View chart |
Would you be willing to pay higher tolls (up to twice as much as currently collected) if you knew that the funds were being used to improve the toll highway system (i.e, repave, rebuild and reduce delay at toll collection facilities)?
For the first part of the month, it sounded like visitors to metroplanning.org were ready for tollway improvements at any cost. But in the end, purse strings stayed closed. Final score: No to higher tolls 47%; Yes with improvements 43%; Maybe 8% (51 votes cast).
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State Funds for Employer-Assisted Housing
[March 2001] | View chart |
One reason area traffic is so bad (4th worst in the U.S.) is that new jobs are locating far from housing hourly workers can afford. More funds for roads/rails/buses helps. But should Illinois also help employers help workers buy houses nearer their jobs?
Web visitors can get behind the idea of state funds for companies' initiatives to help their employees buy homes near their jobs. Final Score: Yes with limitations 61%; No—it's not an employer's role 13%; No—it's not the state's role 26% (62 votes cast).
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Cook County Taxes
[February 2001] | View chart |
Cook County assesses factories and big apartment buildings above the level applied to homes. The little guy gets a tax break, but developers get a reason to build elsewhere. Cook's overall tax base isn't keeping up. Is it time for change?
MPC Web visitors are a reforming bunch —a wide majority want tax assessments lowered for industrial developments. Final score: Lower assessments 78%; Leave the system alone 22% (46 votes cast).
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New Bears Stadium
[January 2001] | View chart |
Do you approve of the city/Chicago Bears' plan to build a new stadium on the lakefront inside the shell of old Soldier Field?
MPC Web site visitors are nothing if not circumspect. Asked if they approved or disapproved the Chicago Bears' plan to build a high-tech football stadium
inside the classical columns of Soldier Field, a plurality chose neither...they want more details. Final score: Approve 33%; Disapprove 23%; Approve with reservations (design, financing, etc.) 44%. (146 votes cast)
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