We took the county’s temperature at the Metro-North station and the Whole Foods Market in White Plains. We polled about 60 residents to gauge the populist anger we’ve all heard about. The diagnosis? Let’s just say it’s time for deep-breathing exercises.
Taking a page from Howard Beale in Network, what has you about to scream from your rooftop: “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
“Unemployment.” “College tuition.” “Debt.” “Feuding political parties.” “The price of gas.” “Global warming.” “Taxes.” “The environment.” “Government spending.” “The inefficiency of Congress.” “Finding affordable housing.”
“Corruption in politics.” “Commuting costs.”
Did you vote for Obama?
Yes 67.5%
No 32.5%
Did you vote for Astorino?
No 67%
Yes 33%
Did you vote for DiFiore?
No 60%
Yes 40%
What should be the top priority of the government now?
Jobs (44%)
Healthcare (28%)
Environment (15%)
National Security (13%)
What services or departments would you be willing to see cut in order to lower Westchester County taxes?
Parks and Tourism (44.7%)
Consumer Affairs/Protection (28.9%)
Housing (13.2%)
Health and Social Services (5.4%)
Environment and Recycling (2.6%)
Police/Public Safety (2.6%)
Public Transportation (2.6%)
What do you think of Governor Patterson?
Hate him (45%)
Couldn’t care less (37.5%)
Love him (17.5%)
Do you know anyone in the county who is unemployed?
Yes (70%)
No (30%)
Are you afraid of losing your own job?
Somewhat (47.5%)
Not at all (30%)
Very (22.5%)
What are you angriest about?
Lack of jobs (30%)
Republican Party’s Obstructionism (20%)
The Wars (17.5%)
Democratic Party’s Ineptitude (10%)
Bank Bailouts (7.5%)
People’s Credit Card Debt (7.5%)
Property Taxes (5%)
Tea Partiers/Fringe Movements (2.5%)
