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Poll: Duval school tax, cannabis decrim more popular than Lenny Curry, Mike Williams
This survey contradicts a poll from Curry's shop
By A.G. Gancarski on June 21, 2019
In survey results that advocates for Jacksonville's 2019 sales tax referendum have already touted as validation, new polling says the 1/2 cent tax and a marijuana decriminalization proposal are both more popular than just re-elected local politicians.
The online email survey of 1,226 registered voters assumes a D+5 universe, a turnout model that would require a particularly engaged Democratic electorate and a disinterested Republican base.
The poll was performed by the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab, and will be framed as a corrective to polling from a consultant of Mayor Lenny Curry's that showed the tax as a non-starter for local voters.
Expect that this survey will drive the Friday news cycle (and perhaps Tuesday's Council meeting).
Per UNF PORL: "75 percent of Duval County registered voters support increasing sales tax by a half-cent to upgrade or replace aging schools. Support is strongest among registered Democrats at 86 percent, although registered Republicans still have a majority support for the sales tax increase at 60 percent."
The Duval County School Board and Superintendent intend for the half-cent sales tax to address what they assess as a $1.9 billion capital shortfall. City Council members and the Mayor have contended that the plan and the political strategy need work.
Poll respondents prefer a 2020 referendum with a 49 percent plurality, which lines up with Mayor Lenny Curry's political advice and the version of the referendum authorization that cleared one of two City Council committees.
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https://floridapolitics.com/archives/299296-duval-school-tax-marijuana
Here is the full poll from the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Laboratory: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/299296-duval-school-tax-marijuana
Other noteworthy findings:
84% of voters support decriminalizing marijuana, and 72% oppose selling all or part of JEA. Curry's poll numbers have continued to decline, with a 46% approval rating with 37% disapproving. Sheriff Mike Williams has a 45% approval rating with 40% disapproving.