A Look at the Counties: Responsiveness of Local Decision Makers
This impression, that the views of decision makers deviate from public opinion, is widespread throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. A majority of residents in all seven counties now believe decision makers see things differently than the average person. Five years ago, there was a discernable difference in public attitudes on this point among the different counties.
Today, residents of Dutchess County are most likely to think there is a difference between the views of decision makers and the public than residents of the other counties. 65% of Dutchess County residents think their leaders do not represent the views of residents, and only 29% think they do. This reflects a gap of thirty-six percentage points.
This figure represents a dramatic contrast from five years ago. In 2002, 48% of Dutchess County residents thought there was a disconnect between local leaders and the public, but a large proportion, 42%, did not. This represented a gap of only six percentage points between those who felt local decision makers were out of step and those who felt they were, in fact, in step with public opinion.
Putnam County has also seen a significant change in residents’ perceptions. In 2002, Putnam County residents were divided on the issue. 48% saw a disconnect between their leaders and the public, and 47% did not. Now, 61% think decision makers in their community are not in touch with the public. Only 33% believe they are.
