Suffolk University Poll: Give the People what they WANT?

Valley Patriot Editorial – March, 2010

 

Suffolk University conducted a statewide survey of 500 Massachusetts registered voters during February 21-24, 2010.

The voters were asked to comment on two potential ballot questions that may appear on the fall ballot. One of the questions is whether or not to roll back the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%. As you may recall, last year the Massachusetts legislature raised the sales tax from 5% to 6.25% and also began taxing alcohol. The survey showed that 49 percent of registered voters support reducing the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent, while 44 percent oppose the question and 7 percent were undecided.

Voters also supported the elimination of the added sales tax on alcohol by a 54 percent to 39 percent margin with 7 percent undecided.

With regard to casinos, in Massachusetts, those surveyed supported casinos by a 57 percent to 34 percent margin with 9 percent undecided.

The margin of error for all poll results is +/- 4.4 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence.

So do you stand with the majority on these issues? Do you want to roll back the sales tax and do you support casinos in Massachusetts?

Of course, our current legislators do not. They are the ones who raised and implemented these taxes. They also voted against casinos last year.

As the election season kicks into high gear over the next few months, ask the candidates and elected officials running for re-election where they stand on these issues. Vote for those individuals that share your philosophy and support your views on taxes and casinos or whatever your issue is.

Remember though, that your current elected officials at the State House are not listening to you. This is the real message of the Suffolk University Poll.