The August 25, 2006, New Era incorrectly reports that Hourglass Foundation-sponsored
poll released that morning contradicts the Fox 43 TV / Opinion Dynamics poll conducted last October. In fact, the two polls produce relatively similar answers when similar questions are posed concerning the convention center / hotel project.
The Hourglass poll showed that 74% of those holding an opinion were concerned that "too much public money [is] involved." Also the same poll indicated that 75% of those with an opinion felt that "too little private money [is] involved."
The Fox 43 poll indicated that of those holding an opinion, about 78% opposed any government guarantees.
So there is no contradiction between the conclusions of the reports. Yet the New Era failed to cite this pertinent information and instead reported the Hourglass poll contradicted the Fox 43 poll.
What motivated me to fund the Opinion Dynamics poll were repeated assertions by Lancaster newspapers and others that county commissioners were out of step with the public by questioning taxpayer guarantees of convention center / hotel project debt.
