It's pretty obvious local folks these days are worried about the economy, taxes, and energy prices.
But in case there was any doubt, J.C.C.'s latest Survey of the Community confirms it with statistics.
The survey quizzed respondents on 21 quality of life issues in Jefferson County, with surveys distributed this past spring.
Among the findings:
Over 72% believed energy prices are getting worse. The same question has tracked between 65% and 88% since the survey started in 2000.
Nearly 72% believe the local economy is getting worse. That's the highest figure since the survey started; last year's was 45%.
Over 70% said the availability of good jobs is getting worse. That's the highest figure since 81% in 2001.
On the positive side:
63% said downtown Watertown is getting better. That number hadn't gotten out of the 30's since the survey started.
55% continue to believe that internet access is improving. However, that's a four-year low.
50% found shopping opportunities getting better. Although the previous three years were all in the 80's, only 11% in 2009 thought that shopping opportunities were getting worse.
When it came down to overall quality of life in the area, 22% found it getting better, a four-year low, while 21% found it getting worse, the highest percentage since 2001's 30%.
