FDU PublicMind - April 1, 2008 Release

Background Memo

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from March 24, 2008 through March 30, 2008 using a randomly selected statewide sample of 816 registered voters. The sampling error for 816 randomly selected respondents is +/- 3.5 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. PublicMind interviews are conducted by professionally trained interviewers use a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. Random selection >is achieved by computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a land-line phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected. Results are mathematically weighted to match known demographics.

Question: Now, turning to New Jersey… In your opinion, do you think things in New Jersey are moving in the right direction or do you think the state has gotten off on the wrong track?

Question: Have you heard of [rotate list]? If you haven’t just tell me. [If yes, ask:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of …? Would that be very or somewhat?

Jon Corzine

Question: How would you rate the job Jon Corzine is doing as governor… [READ]?

Excellent
Good
Only fair
Poor

Question: Do you approve or disapprove of the job Jon Corzine is doing as governor?

Question: And thinking about roads and bridges in New Jersey, how much have you heard of proposals to increase tolls on the Turnpike and Parkway to provide new funds to repair New Jersey bridges and roads and restructure the state’s finances… READ?

Question: Do you support or oppose raising tolls on the Turnpike and Parkway to provide new funds to repair bridges and roads, widen the Turnpike and restructure the state’s finances.

Question: And if it came down to it in the next state budget, which option would you rather support…?

Raise tolls
Raise the gas tax
Raise the income tax
Make very steep budget cuts

Question: Now, thinking about taxes and spending, what do you think is most responsible for driving up New Jersey state taxes and spending over the years…READ?

Public schools
Roads and highways
Too many small towns
Pensions and health care for public employees
Fraud and waste
Just normal growth

Question: Now, thinking about property taxes… Do you expect property taxes where you live to increase this year, decrease, or stay about the same?... a little or a lot?