Jacksonville poll: City should do more for ailing schools, downtown

The survey of 400 likely Jacksonville voters was conducted in early February by the Washington, D.C.-area pollster American Viewpoint. It carries a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points.

When asked whether taxes should be kept low or increased to provide city services, the poll found 57 percent of Republicans wanted no tax increase while 63 percent of Democrats were comfortable with a higher tax bill.

Asked if city government should fund cultural and economic programs for the city, the pollsters got a “yes” response from 70 percent of Southside/Mandarin voters, 79 percent of urban core voters, 71 percent of Westside voters and 74 percent of Beaches voters.

Sweeping majorities of voters representing all neighborhoods, political philosophies and income levels said they believe the Jaguars are important to the city’s economy. More on the Jaguars' role in the study here.

Asked if City Hall should spend money improving downtown, 65 percent of liberals were in favor, as were 52 percent of conservatives. More on downtown's role in the study here.