I decided to wait a little longer before announcing the poll results. I have a number of readers who are somewhat infrequent.......then read several posts at the same time. Therefore, I waited for at least a month to compile the results.
I was a little disappointed in the response rate. I received 120 responses and I was expecting at least three times that many. Certainly, the readership count was sufficient for such a response. I think some of the reluctance to respond was due to fear that someone would know who was voting. That wasn't a real fear. I didn't even know who was voting. The votes were sent to the blog service provider and I only knew the results of the votes.......not who sent them.
On the question of whether the presentation and explanation of the HFC's were clear, the responses were resounding. Of 120 respondents, all voted "Yes," (100%).
On the question of whether Rowlett needed an HFC, the votes were 80 "For" (66%) and 40 "Against." (34%). I was a little surprised by these results. However, after thinking it through, I think some of the negative responses were because of fear of Section 8, Dallas Housing Authority, and the Walker Vouchers.......nearly all of which are subsidized housing programs. The HFC program is just a financing vehicle. Much of the funding is provided by sale of bonds with tax credits. Tax credits are sold to large firms who need the tax credits. No money is spent for any subsidies. However, it is felt this is a good trade off for what Rowlett receives. I also feel there was some fear of apartments. HFC's provide financing for single family detached homes, also.
The final question was whether the City of Rowlett should essentially manage the HFC. Once again, the results were overwhelming. 119 votes were against the city managing the HFC and one didn't vote on the question. One thing is clear. The respondents didn't want to mix politics with financing of homes and apartments. I wholeheartedly agree with this position. The city should turn this endeavor over to the people that are experienced in this discipline. It is not for the untrained.
The above is hardly scientific study, however it is certainly indicative of what citizens think.
I did get a few opinions. Most were short one or two liners that explained the respondents position. However, one was quite lengthy. It was somewhat critical of Rowlett's "officialdom." I don't know who sent it, therefore I don't have permission to print it. However, it was sent to me, so I guess I could if I wanted.
I'll think on it.
I was a little disappointed in the response rate. I received 120 responses and I was expecting at least three times that many. Certainly, the readership count was sufficient for such a response. I think some of the reluctance to respond was due to fear that someone would know who was voting. That wasn't a real fear. I didn't even know who was voting. The votes were sent to the blog service provider and I only knew the results of the votes.......not who sent them.
On the question of whether the presentation and explanation of the HFC's were clear, the responses were resounding. Of 120 respondents, all voted "Yes," (100%).
On the question of whether Rowlett needed an HFC, the votes were 80 "For" (66%) and 40 "Against." (34%). I was a little surprised by these results. However, after thinking it through, I think some of the negative responses were because of fear of Section 8, Dallas Housing Authority, and the Walker Vouchers.......nearly all of which are subsidized housing programs. The HFC program is just a financing vehicle. Much of the funding is provided by sale of bonds with tax credits. Tax credits are sold to large firms who need the tax credits. No money is spent for any subsidies. However, it is felt this is a good trade off for what Rowlett receives. I also feel there was some fear of apartments. HFC's provide financing for single family detached homes, also.
The final question was whether the City of Rowlett should essentially manage the HFC. Once again, the results were overwhelming. 119 votes were against the city managing the HFC and one didn't vote on the question. One thing is clear. The respondents didn't want to mix politics with financing of homes and apartments. I wholeheartedly agree with this position. The city should turn this endeavor over to the people that are experienced in this discipline. It is not for the untrained.
The above is hardly scientific study, however it is certainly indicative of what citizens think.
I did get a few opinions. Most were short one or two liners that explained the respondents position. However, one was quite lengthy. It was somewhat critical of Rowlett's "officialdom." I don't know who sent it, therefore I don't have permission to print it. However, it was sent to me, so I guess I could if I wanted.
I'll think on it.
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