Crombie vaults into the lead in Mississauga

| Filed under: Ontario

4-in-10 more likely to vote Crombie because of McCallion endorsement

TORONTO OCTOBER 15th, 2014 - In a random  sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 769 Mississauga voters, more than half of those leaning or decided will now vote for councillor Bonnie Crombie (56%), compared to just 3-in-10 who will vote for her principal opponent, Steve Mahoney (31%). Very few will vote Stephen King (4%) or any other candidate (9%). This stands in stark contrast to three weeks ago, when Mahoney and Crombie were essentially tied, with Mahoney in a slight lead (September 27, Bonnie Crombie - 36%, Steve Mahoney - 40%). What has changed is that Mayor Hazel McCallion has endorsed councillor Crombie for mayor, and this has effect of making 4-in-10 more likely to vote for Ms Crombie as a result (40%), while making just 1-in-8 less likely to vote for her (16%).


Approval of Crombie up, Mahoney down

Among those aware of her (78%), Bonnie Crombie has the approval of three quarters (74%), up from two thirds previously (66%). Mahoney's approval among those aware of him (74% aware) is at 6-in-10 (61%), well down from three quarters three weeks ago (76%). Stephen King has improved his awareness (from 19% to 26%) and his approval (from 49% to 57%). Hazel McCallion is very popular (85%, up from 78% previously).


Low taxes most important election issue

Keeping taxes low is the most important election issue listed (38%), followed by jobs and growth (21%) and rapid transit (18%). Not seen as important are ethics and transparency at city hall (10%), policing (4%) or solid waste removal (2%). Low taxes are equally important to Crombie's and Mahoney's supporters (37% and 36%, respectively), although Crombie voters see jobs and growth as more important (27% and 11%, respectively) and ethics at city hall as less so (9% and 14%, respectively). Stephen King's supporters are most concerned with jobs and growth (48%).


It is clear that the royal touch of Queen Hazel has had the desired effect, and Bonnie Crombie is now firmly in the lead, after going neck and neck with Steve Mahoney for months. It is interesting that not only Crombie's approvals have increased as a result of her anointment, so have Hazel's," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.