Q1: What would make you definitely vote for a local government candidate in your area?
A1: A visible, and talented local candidate with a sound working knowledge of the area, and of local (and wider community) issues. The candidate would need to be focused on representing a broader section of the community, rather than pursuing single issue interests.
Also, someone who sought to balance the need for greater sensitivity towards the progressive development needs of society, coupled with recognition and support of the environment (ie: building in balance, as opposed to in defiance - if entirely pro-development - or, to exclusion - if entirely pro-environmentalist. Extremism either side generally fails the community in the longer term.
Q2: What would the probability of you voting for a non aligned candidate if they knocked on your door and had a reasonable and positive discussion with you?
A2: Based on my answer to A1, the probability would be quite high (>80%). But, if single-issue motivated, then the probability would be much lower (sub-50%).
Q3: Are you more influenced by what you receive in the mail than other forms of local govt. electoral advertising?
A3: Nothing beats actually talking, or interacting with the local candidate. Some literature, yes. But otherwise, no. Detailed (and easily accessible) websites are considered positive.
Q4: How many of you actually know the name of your incumbent local government representative.
A4: Can't say I can.
Q5: How often do you read the 'Letter to the Editor' section of the local paper / s? Do you recall any names of regular contributors?
A5: Regularly, but not every week. But can't recall any regular names.
Q6: Would you be offended or more likely to vote for a candidate who rang you to ask about your local concerns?
A6: Not concerned. More likely to at least be interested in voting. Nature of the follow through, however, would determine final voting position (if any).
Q6: If only one candidate of three doorknocked you, and each candidates printed material was the same as the others, would you be more likely to vote for the one who knocked on your door? If so, why?
A6: Yes, for that local, involved community approach. Particularly, if the candidate also took some note, or interest, in the concerns that I had raised (ie: particularly with regard to introducing local speed humps in more surburban streets, traffic monitoring and behaviour; and taking a balanced development approach, etc).
Trust that this is of some interest or assistance.
