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Valley Residents Share Opinions

by Ted Apostol

In February 2002, special public opinion studies were conducted as a part of the Current Issues Monitor of WestGroup Research's ongoing monthly omnibus study, WestTrack market monitor. WestTrack is Arizona's oldest and largest ongoing omnibus study, in continuous operation since 1971.

The Survey Said…

Arpaio Leads in Governor Poll

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio leads a recent WestGroup Research poll of potential gubernatorial candidates in both favorability and name recognition. The poll has a margin of error of ± 4 percent. Of 615 metro Phoenix area respondents asked to rate individual candidates on a one to five scale, 37% gave Arpaio a four or five rating, compared with 32% for Arizona Attorney General Janet Napolitano, 26% for former Attorney General Grant Woods, 25% for Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza, and 18% for Arizona District 1 Representative Matt Salmon.

Arpaio's name recognition, at 94%, is ten percentage points ahead of the leading Democratic candidate, Napolitano. Matt Salmon, a Republican candidate, received a 62% name recognition rating. The following table shows both 4 and 5 favorability ratings and name recognition ratings:

Name Recognition and Favorability

Phoenicians Skittish about Air Travel

Phoenix-area residents have significantly less confidence in air travel, and are less likely to fly, than prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A recent WestGroup Research poll of Phoenix-area adults shows just 36% of respondents feel safe using air travel for international trips -- compared to 64% who feel safe with domestic air travel (percentages are those giving a rating of 8 to 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is best.)

Respondents were also asked about the impact of September 11 on their overall frequency of air travel. One in four (25%) surveyed said they are likely to use air travel less often now than before the September terrorist attacks. Just five percent (5%) indicated they are likely to use air travel more often now, despite an overhaul of the nation's airport security procedure.
While overall confidence in air travel may be down, just over half (52%) indicated they are likely to use air travel within the next six months.

Patriotism Should Be Taught

In a poll of 621 Valley adults, the vast majority favor public schools teaching patriotism, ethics, morality, and black history.

In the wake of recent debate about the rise in patriotic sentiment following the terror attacks, WestGroup Research of Phoenix conducted a study of Valley adults about topics that should be taught in public schools. The study completed February 20th asked respondents about five topics that are or could be taught in public schools. Four of the five were favored by at least 80% of adults in the Valley: patriotism, ethics, morality, and black history. The only controversial topic of the five measured was Bible, which was favored by only 49% and opposed by 41%.

Summary of Strongly Favor + Favor

Thinking about public schools in Arizona, do you favor or oppose teaching about _________? Would you say you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose?

March 2002 Answers:
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