From Deseret News archives:
Lindon residents a contented bunch
Poll finds they want to keep 'little bit of country'
"We can't get over how congruent the opinions and how contented people are," said pollster Dan Jones.
Dan Jones & Associates, the Salt Lake-based public opinion and market research firm, conducted phone interviews with 320 residents to gather public sentiment about issues ranging from transportation and growth to the prevalence of recreation opportunities in the city.
The last citywide survey of residents was done in 1999, and Jones said he was impressed with the continuing good marks and positive feedback from residents.
"You have it all, and that's what you really need to advertise about Lindon city," he said.
With or without advertising, however, the city is growing, and that's the biggest issue on the residents' minds, said Jones, who presented the results Tuesday to the City Council.
Managing roads and traffic are issues the council will need to keep an eye on, but as Lindon develops, residents are very concerned that the city maintain its motto: "A little bit of country."
"In all my years, I have never polled and found people so desirous of keeping the old community look," Jones said.
Lindon has already taken steps to conserve the aesthetics of the city by putting into place design guidelines for future development.
The community was incorporated in 1924, and with this newest survey, Jones found that 42 percent of people had lived in Lindon more than 10 years, a big jump from only 20 percent in 1999.
Also in the survey, a majority of residents leaned toward the possible construction of a city recreation center. Sixty-six percent of Lindoners said there is "definitely or probably" a need for a community center in the city.
Those who responded that they didn't want it said they thought it would cost too much and be under-used, and that money is needed in other areas.
However, if the proposal meant taxes weren't increased, 89 percent of residents said they would be in favor of a potential recreation center, which might include a running and walking track, athletic courts, a lap pool and a weight- and general-fitness machine area.
"(Recreation) is an area that I know . . . we're focused on," said Mayor Jeff Acerson. "It's encouraging to us to know that the citizens are supportive of us."
He said the survey provides a better idea of public sentiment, and city leaders will begin addressing those recreation needs.
The possibility of forming a city police force also was a poll topic. Lindon works with Pleasant Grove's police department right now.
Public opinion was almost evenly split, with 42 percent favoring or strongly favoring getting their own police force, and 45 percent opposing or strongly opposing the potential change.
The telephone survey was for Lindon residents 18 years or older and was conducted in October and November. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 5.5 percent.
"It's been very positive for us to see these results," said council member Lindsey Bayless, a comment seconded by nods and comments of approval from the other council members.
E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com
