Responding to one of several political questions during the last quarter of 2012, Daily Record readers guessed that Mitt Romney would be elected U.S. president. They responded during the week starting Oct. 29, just before the Nov. 6 re-election of President Barack Obama.
In that Daily Record survey, 57 percent of readers predicted that Romney would be elected, while 43 percent said Obama would win.
The Daily Record asked 13 Weekly Poll questions during the fourth quarter. Readers responded to the questions from October through December. Results are not scientific, but they reflect the views of Daily Record readers who respond to the surveys.
In other politically related questions, a majority of readers said recreational marijuana should be legalized, that falling off the fiscal cliff would lead to recession and that gun control laws should be tougher.
Asked the week of Nov. 19 if recreational marijuana should be legalized, 58 percent of readers said yes and 42 percent said no.
Asked the week of Dec. 3 if falling off the fiscal cliff would lead to a recession, almost the same percentage – 57 percent – said yes and 43 percent said no.
The votes were closer when readers were asked the week of Dec. 17 if tougher gun control laws are needed — 52 percent said yes and 48 percent said not.
Readers were asked the week of Nov. 12 if they had served in the military, and 35 percent said they had and 65 percent said they had not.
The holidays also generated questions, indicating readers with Christmas trees had fake ones, bought some or all of their holiday purchases online and did not have a company holiday party.
Asked about Christmas trees, 43 percent of respondents said they had fake trees, 36 percent had real trees and 21 percent had none.
Asked what percentage of their holiday shopping would be done online, 30 percent of readers said all or most, 53 percent said some and 17 percent said none.
That shopping might not have been related to the company party. More than half, or 55 percent, of readers said their company was not having a holiday party, while 45 percent said their company was having a party.
Trying to gauge financial practices and plans, readers were asked if they coupon – they do – and if they plan to buy a new car in 2013 – they don't.
Asked if they coupon, 60 percent of readers said yes and 40 percent said no.
A much wider margin said they did not intend to buy a new car in 2013 – 82 percent do not, while 18 percent do.
In the category of just wondering, we asked readers if they had ever received a parking ticket. Two of three had — 67 percent said they had while 33 percent said they had not.
In work-related questions, we asked if readers use a computer more at home or at work, and the workplace dominated. About two-thirds, 66 percent, said they used a computer more at work while 34 percent said at home.
Employers might be encouraged to know that workers tend to like their jobs.
We asked the week of Oct. 1: "Do you like your job?" A large majority, 71 percent, said yes, while 29 percent said no.
Our question this week will test that. Do you plan on changing jobs in 2013? Vote at jaxdailyrecord.com.
Please vote each week online at jaxdailyrecord.com. Check each Monday for the new Weekly Poll question.
Thank you for your vote.
The legacy of Alton Yates
Leadership Jacksonville will present a "VIP Sneak Preview" of its Legacy Series featuring Alton Yates on Feb. 7 at WJCT studios.
Yates, a civil rights pioneer, is the subject of the second episode of the series, arranged by Leadership Jacksonville and funded through community support.
The Yates production is part of the first season of the series, which also features Jacksonville University Chancellor Emeritus Frances Bartlett Kinne and the late political and educational leader Fred Schultz.
Lindsey Films Inc. is producing the series for Leadership Jacksonville. Extensive interviews are edited into about a 30-minute presentation to be broadcast on WJCT-TV, although longer versions are available at leadershipjax.org and other websites.
At the preview for the Kinne legacy production, Leadership Jacksonville Executive Director Isabelle Owen Spence said the series is intended to focus on individuals who embody outstanding service, high integrity, selfless leadership, historical contributions to the community and diversity.
"We believe we are leaving a legacy with this project," she said.
The Leadership Jacksonville board will accept nominations. A committee reviews the candidates and submits names to the board.
Spence said each project depends on funding, however. She said each video production will cost about $30,000 and is not a fundraiser.
JU funded Kinne's video. Spence said Leadership Jacksonville is the primary funder of the Yates video.
Spence said another legacy production is planned to feature former Mayor Jake Godbold.
"These conversations give insight into their passions, challenges, inspirations and legacy," Leadership Jacksonville says of the subjects of the series.
"Their words will serve to educate, inspire and motivate our future leaders."
For information about the series, visit leadershipjax.org.
Wally Lee steps up as PAL honoree
Former JAX Chamber President Wally Lee will be the roast honoree March 7 for the Fourth Annual Sheriff's Roast, replacing the initial honoree, Steve Wallace.
Wallace announced in October he would resign Jan. 1 as president of Florida State College of Jacksonville amid media and state scrutiny about college administrative issues.
The roast benefits the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville. Wallace was to be roasted Nov. 16, but after his decision to resign, the league took another direction.
Lee, JAX Chamber president and CEO from November 1989 to the end of 2012, is a friend of Wallace's. He also has served on many boards and in many organizations.
"Wally has been a great supporter of the JSO. He has been generous in connecting JSO with business leaders in our city who share our commitment to Jacksonville's quality of life," said Sheriff John Rutherford.
The roast is the league's leading fundraising event. Proceeds benefit the 2,800 at-risk children participating in PAL's educational, athletic and mentoring programs year-round at six locations.
The event includes dinner, drinks and a silent auction.
For information, contact Renée Naughton at (904) 854-6580, email [email protected] or visit jaxpal.com.
UnitedHealth Group correction
UnitedHealth Group, the parent group of OptumRx, which is opening a 300-job call center in Southside, serves more than 75 million people. I dropped a few zeroes in earlier stories.
@MathisKb
(904) 356-2466