Goldsboro News-Argus Opinion Poll

What do you think about the troubles of former N.C. Gov. Mike Easley?

Started on 11/03/2009

I think what he did was unethical and sleazy, but I think he skirted the law. Change the laws.: - 16%; (30 votes)
We have to put our foot down sometime. Make an example of Easley and maybe others will think twice.: - 31%; (59 votes)
I am disgusted by Easley, but what I really want to know is where was the rest of the Legislature.: - 27%; (52 votes)
If I wasn't for term limits before, I am now.: - 4%; (8 votes)
Campaigns are too money-driven. They just foster fraud. Clamp down now.: - 23%; (44 votes)

Total Votes: 193

What do you think about annexation rules?

Started on 10/19/2009

I think there is nothing wrong with a city expanding its borders as long as it is providing additional services.: - 9%; (49 votes)
I think a community should choose if it wants to be annexed.: - 46%; (246 votes)
I think some people in a community use services in a city and yet live outside it to avoid taxes — and that is not fair.: - 7%; (38 votes)
I think involuntary annexation is the first step in more government involvement in areas we don't want it.: - 29%; (158 votes)
I think the state has much bigger issues to worry about.: - 9%; (46 votes)

Total Votes: 537

A few weeks have passed since the health care reform debate heated up. Now that you have had time to think more about it and have heard what the president has had to say, what do you say about the issue?

Started on 10/05/2009

I feel the same. I do not want the government involved in managing health care.: - 53%; (290 votes)
I feel the same. We need health care reform as soon as possible.: - 20%; (108 votes)
The president's speech changed my mind. We are headed in the right direction.: - 3%; (19 votes)
The president's speech confirmed my concern, we are headed for a bureaucratic mess.: - 20%; (111 votes)
I think there are so many more important issues to be addressing right now.: - 3%; (18 votes)

Total Votes: 546

The plans for a community building/recreation center are back on the city's agenda ... sort of. If the funding is available federally or through another program, what would your answer be if you are asked?

Started on 09/21/2009

We do not need another project in this city. I would say wait.: - 17%; (69 votes)
If there is "free" money available, I think we should go for it.: - 17%; (70 votes)
There is no such thing as free money. We will still have to run it — I say no.: - 35%; (141 votes)
Scrap the rec center project and build a community center.: - 13%; (54 votes)
Downtown should be our priority right now. Let's get that done first.: - 18%; (73 votes)

Total Votes: 407

After President Obama's speech to Congress Wednesday about health care, and in light of other information you have read or heard, how do you feel about health care reform?

Started on 09/10/2009

1. I feel much better now that I have heard the president speak and support his effort.: - 9%; (60 votes)
2. I supported the president's plan before the speech and I still do.: - 17%; (112 votes)
3. I heard nothing to change my mind about health care reform. I do not want what the president has proposed.: - 47%; (313 votes)
4. The president has called for bipartisan input, let's see if he means it. I am open to see what might come next.: - 5%; (31 votes)
5. Something needs to be done, but not this, start over. I am not pleased with how either party has behaved.: - 22%; (143 votes)

Total Votes: 659

What did you think about President Barack Obama's message to schoolchildren?

Started on 09/09/2009

I think it is a good thing. Kids needed to hear it.: - 24%; (37 votes)
I think it was politically motivated - a piece of propaganda from a president with sagging ratings.: - 39%; (59 votes)
I think the speech was good, but I could have done without the lesson plans.: - 7%; (11 votes)
What's the fuss about? Presidents speak to children all the time. Get over it.: - 24%; (37 votes)
This is political — hate speak by conservatives about a president they dislike.: - 6%; (9 votes)

Total Votes: 153

What should the city do about the estimated $94,000 needed for repairs at W.A. Foster Center?

Started on 08/24/2009

Fund them, no matter what the cost. The center has a rich heritage in Goldsboro and is important to the community. Besides, getting the job done would put local contractors to work — and everyone could use that kind of stability in this economic climate.: - 32%; (138 votes)
Don’t fund them. Given the state of the economy, the city needs to hold onto as many pennies as possible.: - 53%; (233 votes)
Throw all money meant for Parks and Recreation projects toward a new community building.: - 15%; (65 votes)

Total Votes: 436

What do you think about the mayor's comments regarding the NAACP and the incident involving the Goldsboro police?

Started on 08/11/2009

I think the mayor is right. The NAACP took up court time for a case that had no merit. I want our police department to know I support their efforts.: - 46%; (273 votes)
The mayor might be right about the overall mission of the NAACP, but we have to be careful, there is still racial profiling out there. The NAACP was right to question the incident. They just took it too far.: - 6%; (34 votes)
The mayor is wrong on all counts. The NAACP has to fight because there are still too many people who assume a black man is a criminal first. What would happen if no one was watching?: - 7%; (40 votes)
The NAACP is losing credibility because of wild goose chases like this. The organization should fight real battles — like the disintegration of families and the number of young people who turn to drugs and alcohol. The mayor was right to call them out.: - 29%; (169 votes)
This incident is just a small part of a bigger problem. Few public officials really want to address the issue of what causes poverty, teen pregnancy, poor graduation rates, drug abuse and crime head-on — including the NAACP. The mayor was right to start the discussion.: - 13%; (74 votes)

Total Votes: 590

What do you think about the proposed $1 billion state tax increase to balance the budget?

Started on 08/04/2009

This should be all sales tax and other use taxes like cigarettes and alcohol. That way it will hit all North Carolinians.: - 8%; (32 votes)
This 2-3 percent stipend on higher-income workers is fair — if you earn more, you should contribute more.: - 7%; (28 votes)
Higher taxes of any kind will discourage growth in North Carolina — and push high-skilled workers to head to states with no income tax, like Tennessee.: - 10%; (39 votes)
The budget has to be balanced. I don't like paying higher taxes, but that is what is necessary right now.: - 7%; (26 votes)
Cut the waste first — then we can talk about increasing taxes.: - 68%; (265 votes)

Total Votes: 390

How do you feel about the president's health care reform proposal?

Started on 07/23/2009

Something needs to be done, but this one is just too expensive.: - 11%; (73 votes)
The president is right. It is time to move forward. I believe his plan will work.: - 15%; (97 votes)
I think we are rushing into a plan just to have a plan. This needs more study and to be done right.: - 41%; (268 votes)
Congress has been talking about this subject for years. We need action now. Pass this plan, then reform it.: - 10%; (65 votes)
The president needs to concentrate on jobs. Health care can wait.: - 23%; (151 votes)

Total Votes: 654

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