Majority Approve of Mayor’s Across-the-Board Budget Cut

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Majority Approve of Mayor’s Across-the-Board Budget Cut

Cutting costs widely preferred to raising taxes

In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 882 Toronto voters, just more than one half (54%) approve of Mayor Tory’s requirement that all city departments and agencies cut 2.6% of their budgets, while just 3-in-10 disapprove (30%). Approval is highest among boomers (55 to 64 - 62%), mid income groups ($60K to $80K - 63%), in Etobicoke (64%), among the best educated (post grad - 61%) and among those who commute by car (60%). Past voters for Mayor Tory are especially likely to approve (68%)

Two thirds prefer cutting costs; one quarter prefer raising taxes

When asked the best way to balance the city’s budget, the clear majority, two thirds, opts for cutting costs (63%) whereas just one quarter picks raising taxes (26%), a recommendation common to the oldest (33%), the very wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 38%), in the downtown (39%) and East York (34%), among the best educated (34%) and especially among Olivia Chow voters (55%).

Neither TTC nor library seen to be able to afford 2.6% cut; not so police

One half of Toronto voters say the TTC cannot afford to cut 2.6% of its budget (50%), whereas just one third think this is possible (37%), Just fewer, more than 4-in-10 (44%) think the Toronto Public Library can’t afford to make the cuts, while somewhat fewer think it can (38%). In contrast, more than half think the Toronto Police Service can afford to trim its budget (54%), and just less than half think it cannot (44%).

“While most agree with his across-the-board approach to budget cutting, it is interesting to note the one group in favour of raising taxes over cutting spending is the oldest, a very important cohort to Mayor Tory’s electoral success” 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.