State Senator Bill Doyle (R-Washington) has released his annual Town Meeting Day poll. Town Meeting goers decisively opposed the payroll tax to reduce the cost of Medicaid; weren't too sure over the carbon tax; had a strong, but-split, opinion on the sugary drink tax, and supported a one-day sales tax holiday. There was less support for legalizing marijuana than other polls have shown. Governor Shumlin's approval is low, which is not surprising, but it's lower than other polls have suggested. Doyle's poll, begun in 1969, is not scientific, but it has offered insight into the mind of Vermonters attending Town Meeting. It's also been reflective of what legislation ultimately will follow. Doyle asked 15 questions.
There was little support for tax programs, reflecting, Doyle said, concern over the strength of the economy. Voters supported the always popular one-day sales tax holiday, which lawmakers tend not to want because tax revenues take a hit. Surprisingly, voters were indecisive on the state of health care, despite rising costs and much negative press on Vermont Health Connect.
| •Do you believe water quality is a major issue in Vermont? | Yes 63 percent | no 23 percent | not sure 14 percent |
| •Should Vermont legalize marijuana? | Yes 39 percent | no 48 percent | not sure 13 percent |
| •Should Vermont have a payroll tax to reduce the cost of Medicaid? | Yes 22 percent | no 54 percent | not sure 24 percent |
| •Would a carbon tax benefit Vermont's environment? | Yes 31 percent | no 41 percent | not sure 28 percent |
| •Should sugary drinks be taxed in order to reduce obesity? | Yes 45 percent | no 48 percent | not sure 7 percent |
| •Should Vermont have a one-day sales tax holiday? | Yes 65 percent | no 23 percent | not sure 12 percent |
| •Are you concerned about the increased use of opiates in Vermont? | Yes 87 percent | no 8 percent | not sure 5 percent |
| •Is Lake Champlain as clear as you would like it to be? | Yes 9 percent | no 69 percent | not sure 21 percent |
| •Should natural gas be an important part of Vermont's economy? | Yes 49 percent | no 26 percent | not sure 25 percent |
| •Do you believe Vermont's health care is better than five years ago? | Yes 28 percent | no 42 percent | not sure 30 percent |
| •Is statewide cell service and broadband important to the future of Vermont's economy? | Yes 88 percent | no 6 percent | not sure 6 percent |
| •Does Vermont have too many school districts? | Yes 52 percent | no 26 percent | not sure 21 percent |
| •Should Vermont's presidential primary be on the same date as New Hampshire? | Yes 28 percent | no 39 percent | not sure 33 percent |
| •Do you believe our state is doing a good job at attracting jobs to Vermont? | Yes 14 percent | no 64 percent | not sure 22 percent |
| •Do you believe Governor Shumlin is doing a good job? | Yes 21 percent | no 57 percent | not sure 22 percent |