Derby Public Opinion Polls & Surveys
Poll Archives

Results of Earlier Polls:

Should the City and Board of Education Share a Finance Director?
 

Yes (167) 87%
No (25) 13%
Don't Know (1) 1%

 
Total Votes: 193

 
Enter your comments

 

Do you agree with the Supreme Courts ruling on Obamacare?
 
Yes (26) 15%
No (146) 82%
Need more information (5) 3%

 
Total Votes: 177

 
Enter your comments

 

 

Should the City accept credit card payments on-line for things like property taxes?
 
Yes (69) 58%
No (45) 38%
Not sure (4) 3%

 
Total Votes: 118

 
Enter your comments

 

 

What should Derby do about the dog pound?
 
Continue to operate as in the past (58) 37%
Hire an outside group to operate it (8) 5%
Regionalize the service with other towns (84) 54%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%
 
Total Votes: 155
 
Enter your comments

 

Traffic Surveillance Cameras
Should the state allow red light surveillance cameras?
 
Yes (840) 96%
No (32) 4%
 
Total Votes: 872
 
Enter your comments
Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
Should the City of Derby build a dog park?
Should the City of Derby build a dog park?
 
Yes (1058) 82%
No (228) 18%

 
Total Votes: 1286

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
 

Yes under any circumstances (220) 64%
Yes, if they build a dog park (10) 3%
No, even if they build a dog park (111) 32%
I don't care (3) 1%

 
Total Votes: 344

 
Enter your comments

Who will win the 2012 Super Bowl?
Our users think it is New England. The poll is now closed, and you can get the real results by watching the game!

New York Giants (36) 40%
New England Patriots (53) 60%

 
Total Votes: 89

 
Enter your comments

Non-citizen voting?
Should resident, non-citizens be allowed to vote in local elections?
 

Yes (567) 82%
No (127) 18%

 
Total Votes: 694

 
Enter your comments

 

What are the major issues facing the City of Derby?

Major Issues Facing the City of Derby
 
What are the major issues facing the City of Derby?
 
Crime (54) 13%
Downtown Redevelopment (70) 16%
Education (51) 12%
Environment (3) 1%
Halo District (56) 13%
Poverty (7) 2%
Quality of Life (40) 9%
Taxes (139) 32%
Transportation (4) 1%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 429

 
Enter your comments:

 

Who would be the best mayor for Derby?

Derby's Mayoral Election
 
Who would be the best mayor for Derby?
 
Anthony Staffieri (515) 35%
Daniel Foley (933) 63%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 1473

 

Should the United States adopt a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution?
 
Yes (38) 5%
No (769) 95%
Not sure (3) 0%

 
Total Votes: 810

 
Enter your comments

 

Raise the US debt ceiling?ll Class Reunions?
Should the City of Derby continue having All Class Reunions on Labor day weekend?
 
Yes (74) 26%
No (192) 67%
Don't Care (20) 7%

 
Total Votes: 286

 
Enter your comments

 

Should the federal government raise the US debt ceiling?
 

Yes (75) 72%
No (27) 26%
Not Sure (2) 2%
Don't care (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 104

 
Enter your comments

 

 

City budget referendum?
Should the City of Derby have an annual referendum to approve the city budget?
 
Yes - with separate votes for education and all other city functions (110) 65%
Yes, but only one unified budget (16) 10%
No, leave it as is (38) 23%
Undecided (4) 2%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 168

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut
 

ocial Security
What should be done with Social Security?
 

Don't touch it (113) 79%
Raise the retirement age (18) 13%
Lower the benefits paid out (3) 2%
Increase the Social Security tax rate (4) 3%
Abolish it (3) 2%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 143

 
Enter your comments

 

 

 

Who will win the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship?
 
Connecticut (16) 84%
Notre Dame (0) 0%
Stanford (3) 16%
Texas A & M (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 19

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

 

Men's NCAA Championship
Who will win the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship?
 
Butler (1) 2%
Connecticut (46) 79%
Kentucky (11) 19%
Virginia Commonwealth (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 58

 
Enter your comments
Shou

ld dogs be banned from the Greenway?
Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
 

Yes (165) 48%
No (172) 50%
I don't care (8) 2%

 
Total Votes: 345

 
Enter your comments

 

Should Derby consider school regionalization?
 
No (94) 45%
Yes, but only at the grammar school level (2) 1%
Yes, but only at the high school level (15) 7%
Yes (100) 47%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 211

 
Enter your comments

 

Is the Sterling Opera House Haunted?
Yes (8) 11%
Maybe (7) 10%
No (57) 79%

Total Votes: 72
Soft Drink Tax?
Should there be a soft drink tax in Connecticut?
 

Yes (24) 19%
No (104) 81%
Not Sure (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 128
 

 

Sunday Liquor Sales
Should Connecticut allow retail liquor sales on Sundays?
 
Yes (53) 38%
No (85) 61%
Not Sure (2) 1%

 
Total Votes: 140

 
Enter your comments
 

What to do with a disgruntled donor
How should UConn react to Robert Burton's letter to the school?
 

Give him his money and tell him to get lost (67) 59%
Don't give him his money back and tell him to get lost (37) 32%
Fire the athletic director (3) 3%
Make him the athletic director (3) 3%
Other: view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 114

 
Enter your comments

 

Should CT tax plastic bags?
Should there be a 5 cent tax on plastic bags?
 
Yes (11) 9%
No (112) 90%
Not Sure (2) 2%

 
Total Votes: 125

 
Enter your comments

 

 

s new football Coach
What do you think about the hiring of Paul Pasqualoni as the new UConn football coach?
 

Great choice - UConn is headed upwards (34) 64%
A "status quo" choice without great expectations (7) 13%
A step backwards (2) 4%
Only time will tell (10) 19%

 
Total Votes: 53

 
Enter your comments

What do you think about the UConn football coach leaving?
 

 

What do you think about the UConn football coach leaving?
 

A great loss for the program (97) 74%
A natural advancement for the coach (12) 9%
He had accomplished all he could and it is time to move on (9) 7%
UConn will hire an even better coach (13) 10%

 
Total Votes: 131

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

 

Who should get tax breaks?
Who should get tax breaks?
 
Everyone (195) 76%
No one - pay down the debt (7) 3%
Only those earning under $250,000 (56) 22%

 
Total Votes: 258

 
Enter your comments

 

Who will win the Thanksgiving Day Football Game?
Who will win the 2010 Thanksgiving Day Football Game? Shelton won 38-14
 
Derby High (57) 74%
Shelton High (20) 26%
It will be a tie! (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 77
 

lection Reform
Should all towns be required to purchase printed ballots for 100% of their registered voters?
 

Yes (56) 58%
No (15) 15%
Bring back the mechanical voting machines (21) 22%
Change to Internet voting (5) 5%

 
Total Votes: 97

 

Who should manage the Transfer Station in Derby?

Transfer Station
 
Who should manage the Transfer Station in Derby?
 
Public Works (351) 57%
Outside Vendor (260) 43%

 
Total Votes: 611

 

 

Who will win the Republican Primary for Governor?
 

Republican Primary for Governor?
 
Who will win the Republican Primary for Governor?
 
Michael Fedele (40) 33%
Tom Foley (41) 34%
Nelson "Oz" Griebel (40) 33%

 
Total Votes: 121

Who will win the Democratic Primary for Governor?
 

Democratic Primary for Governor
 
Who will win the Democratic Primary for Governor?
 
Ned Lamont (70) 49%
Dan Malloy (72) 51%

 
Total Votes: 142

 

Should the city have a "nuisance" law and a curfew?
 
Just a "nuisance" law (31) 7%
Just a curfew (13) 3%
Both (80) 17%
Neither (336) 73%

 
Total Votes: 460

 
Enter your comments
 

Will the U.S. win the World Cup?
Will the U.S. win the World Cup?
 

Yes (3) 5%
No (22) 37%
Don't Know (1) 2%
Don't Care (33) 56%

 
Total Votes: 59

 
Enter your comments

 

Who will win the 2010 NBA Championship?
Who will win the 2010 NBA Championship?
 
Boston Celtics (66) 87%
Los Angeles Lakers (10) 13%

 
Total Votes: 76

 
Enter your comments

 

A national sales tax?
A national sales tax?
 
Yes (229) 67%
No (111) 33%
Not sure (1) 0%

 
Total Votes: 341

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

 

Should retail liquor sales be allowed in Connecticut?
 
Yes (69) 36%
No (118) 61%
Not Sure (0) 0%
Don't Care (6) 3%
 
Total Votes: 193
 
Enter your comments

 

Attorney General Requirements
Does Susan Bysiewicz meet the 10-year requirement for legal service for Attorney General?
 
Yes (79) 71%
No (31) 28%
Don't Know (2) 2%
 
Total Votes: 112
 
comments

School sports colors in Derby?

School sports colors in Derby
Should there be a uniform code on sports team colors for the High School and Middle School?
 
Yes (88) 35%
No (162) 65%
 
Total Votes: 250
Enter your comments

Board of Ed decides - it's Red & White, but not blue

The Prisoners
Will the Movie "The Prisoners" Be Filmed in Derby?
 
Yes (112) 73%
No (42) 27%

 
Total Votes: 154

 
Enter your comments

 

 

Who will win the Super Bowl?

Super Bowl Poll
Who will win the 2010 Super Bowl?
 
Indianapolis Colts (44) 67%
New Orleans Saints (22) 33%

 
Total Votes: 66

t belts on school busses?
Should school busses be required to have seat belts?
 

Yes (19) 25%
No (56) 73%
Not Sure (2) 3%

 
Total Votes: 77

 
Enter your comments

Can Shelton Mayor Lauretti win the GOP nomination?Can May

Yes (84) 66%
No (43) 34%
Not sure (1) 1%

 
Total Votes: 128

hould the Board of Aldermen pass the Roadside Memorial Ordinance?
Should the Board of Aldermen pass the Roadside Memorial Ordinance?
 

Yes (124) 45%
No (146) 53%
Not sure (3) 1%
 
Total Votes: 273
 
Enter your comments

Derby/Shelton High School Football - 99 or 100 years?

Will the 2010 game be the 100th anniversary game or just the 99th? There seems to be some doubt because of one particular contest. For a full listing of all the games, click here. It's a game that took place in 1904 that is causing the confusion. You can read the full account of the game from the Evening Sentinel here.  The question is - was it Derby High School that was beaten by a score of 11-5? The story calls the team the "Derby Juniors" and notes that they also included three freshmen - all three were freshmen at Yale University including the quarterback of the Derby team! So the question for his poll is - Should the 1904 game between Shelton High School and the "Derby Juniors" be counted as one of the games between the two high schools. If so, then the 2010 game in Shelton will be the 100th in the series.

Should the 2010 Derby/Shelton High School football game be considered the 100th game?
Should the 2010 Derby/Shelton High School football game be considered the 100th game
 
Yes (23) 26%
No (65) 74%

 
Total Votes: 88
 

It's just about a split decision on who will win the game. Come back Thanksgiving afternoon for the real results or follow us on Twitter -http://twitter.com/derbyct.

Who will win the Thanksgiving Day Football Game?
Who will win the Thanksgiving Day Football Game?
 
Derby High (80) 49%
Shelton High (81) 49%
It will be a tie! (3) 2%

 
Total Votes: 164

The Board of Aldermen has agreed to settle the downtown redevelopment lawsuit for $1,750,000. Do you agree with the decision?
 

Yes (206) 46%
No (220) 49%
Undecided (24) 5%

 
Total Votes: 450
 

2009 Election Polls Results

Our election polls are now closed, and it's time for voters to fulfill their civic duty and cast the only ballots that really count on Tuesday. We have election information and links here.

Election 2009
Which candidate do you think would make the best mayor for Derby this year?
  Anthony Staffieri
  Dan Foley
 

Which candidate do you think would make the best mayor for Derby this year?
 

Anthony Staffieri (1288) 49%
Dan Foley (1247) 48%

view fulll results
Total Votes: 2619

 

2009 Treasurer Poll

Election 2009
Which candidate do you think would make the best Treasurer for Derby this year?
Donald North
Keith McLiverty
Which candidate do you think would make the best Treasurer for Derby this year?
 
Donald North (890) 43%
Keith McLiverty (1157) 56%


view full results

Total Votes: 2064
 

2009 City Clerk Poll

Election 2009
Which candidate do you think would make the best City Clerk for Derby this year?
Laura Wabno
Sheila Parizo
Which candidate do you think would make the best Treasurer for Derby this year?


Laura Wabno (465) 44%
Sheila Parizo (584) 55%
Write-in Candidate Here view suggestions (0) 0%

Total Votes: 1062

view full results

 

How should the Board of Aldermen deal with roadside memorials?
How should the Board of Aldermen deal with roadside memorials?
 
Allow them without restriction (25) 11%
Allow them but only for a designated period of time (88) 39%
Allow them but regulate their location and construction (23) 10%
Ban them (85) 38%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%

 
Total Votes: 223

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

 

Government Health Insurance?
 
Should there be government provided health insurance?
 
Yes (30) 25%
No (82) 68%
Not Sure (5) 4%
Don't Care (2) 2%
Other view suggestions (0) 0%
Total Votes: 120
Enter your comments

 

Should the Senate confirm Sonia Sotomayor for a seat on the Supreme Court?
Should the Senate confirm Sonia Sotomayor for a seat on the Supreme Court?
 
Yes (29) 29%
No (67) 68%
No opinion (3) 3%

 
Total Votes: 99

 
Enter your comments

Derby , CT Web Site
 

 

s?
Should tolls be put back on Connecticut roads?
 

Yes (123) 62%
No (74) 38%

 
Total Votes: 197

 
Enter your comments

 

SHALL THE CITY OF DERBY APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ADOPTED FEBRUARY 26, 2009 INVOKING THE POWERS GRANTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT CITY AND TOWN DEVELOPMENT ACT, CHAPTER 114 OF THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES?
 
Yes (369) 65%
No (183) 32%
Not Sure (14) 2%
No Opinion (1) 0%

 
Total Votes: 567

 

Will the economic stimulus package work?
Will the economic stimulus package work?
 
Yes (16) 13%
No (84) 69%
Not sure (22) 18%

 
Total Votes: 122

 
Enter your comments

How optimistic are you for the success of th

e Obama presidency?
How optimistic are you for the success of the Obama presidency?
 

Very optimistic (37) 22%
Optimistic (24) 14%
Neutral (18) 11%
Pessimistic (16) 9%
Very pessimistic (74) 44%

 
Total Votes: 169

 

Super Bowl Poll
Who will win the 2009 Super Bowl?
 
Pittsburgh Steelers (45) 61%
Arizona Cardinals (29) 39%
Total Votes: 74

 

Should Derby High switch athletic conferences to the Naugatuck Valley League?
 

Yes (46) 82%
No (6) 11%
Not Sure (2) 4%
Don't Care (2) 4%
Total Votes: 56
 
Was Derby correct in eliminating the supernumerary police?
Was Derby correct in eliminating the supernumerary police?
 
Yes (133) 55%
No (101) 42%
Not sure (8) 3%

 
Total Votes: 242
 

uto Bailout?
Should the government bail out Ford, GM & Chrysler?
 

Yes (25) 34%
NO (43) 58%
Not Sure (6) 8%

 
Total Votes: 74

Our users have picked Shelton to win the 98th Derby/Shelton football game, and they were right!. Who will win the Thanksgiving Day Football Game?
Who will win the Thanksgiving Day Football Game?

Derby High (42) 43%
Shelton High (55) 56%
It will be a tie! (1) 1%
 
Total Votes: 98
Who will win the race for President?
 
John McCain (161) 52%
Ralph Nader (4) 1%
Barack Obama (143) 46%
Total Votes: 312
Who will win the race for State Senate in the 17th District?
 
Joe Crisco (119) 49%
Tamath K. Rossi (123) 51%
Total Votes: 243
Who will win the race for State Representative in the 104th District?
 
Linda Gentile (136) 62%
Mary Porter (81) 37%
Total Votes: 218
Who will win the race for State Representative in the 114th District?
 
Themis Klarides (158) 55%
Marc Garofalo (128) 45%
Total Votes: 286
Who will win the race for U. S. Representative?
 
Bo Itshaky (12) 32%
Rosa DeLauro (21) 55%
Ralph Ferrucci (5) 13%
Total Votes: 38
Shall there be a constitutional convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the State?
 
Yes (24) 47%
No (25) 49%
Not Sure (2) 4%
Total Votes: 51
Shall the constitution of the state be amended to permit any person who will have attained the age of eighteen years on or before the day of a regular election to vote in the primary for such regular election?
 
Yes (23) 49%
No (23) 49%
Not Sure (1) 2%
Total Votes: 47
 
Which Vice Presidential candidate is the most qualified?
Which Vice Presidential candidate is the most qualified?
 
Joe Biden (75) 41%
Sarah Palin (98) 54%
Not Sure (9) 5%

 
Total Votes: 182
 
Do you support the federal bailout of large financial institutions?
Do you support the federal bailout of large financial institutions?
 
Yes (22) 31%
No (44) 61%
Not Sure (6) 8%

 
Total Votes: 72

 
Enter your comments

 

Should the legal drinking age be lowered to 18?
Should the legal drinking age be lowered to 18?
 

Yes (44) 42%
No (56) 54%
Not Sure (4) 4%

 
Total Votes: 104

 
Enter your comments

 

Should Derby City Hall have a four day work week?
Should the operation of the City Dump be out-sourced?
Yes (109) 63%
No (54) 31%
Not Sure (10) 6%

 
Total Votes: 173

Should Derby City Hall have a four day work week?
 

Yes (100) 34%
No (197) 66%
Total Votes: 297
 
comments

 

Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
 
Yes (232) 50%
No (229) 49%
I don't care (6) 1%

 
Total Votes: 467

Should the U.S. Mint stop producing pennies?
Should the U.S. Mint stop producing pennies?
 

Yes (29) 48%
No (31) 51%
Not sure (1) 2%

Total Votes: 61
 

Enter your comments

 

I

Should living people be eligible for the Hall of Fame?
 
Should people still living be inducted into the Derby Hall of Fame?
 
Yes (51) 37%
No (82) 59%
Not Sure (6) 4%
 
Total Votes: 139
 
Enter your comments

 

Derby Hall of Fame
Who should be elected to the second class in Derby's "Hall of Fame"?
 
David Torrance (3)1%
Leo F. "Nuggy" Ryan (63)26%
Dr. Thomas J. O'Sullivan (15)6%
Edward N. Shelton (5)2%
Jane DeForest Shelton (2)1%
Bob Skoronski (46)19%
Sheldon Smith (8)3%
Henry Shelton Sanford (8)3%
Clara Louise Kellogg (54)22%
J. Newton Williams (9)4%
Other view suggestions (33)13%
 
Total Votes: 246
 
Enter your comments

 

How long do you think a mayor's term should be?
 
How long do you think a mayor's term should be?
 
2 years (48)34%
4 years (76)54%
6 years (10)7%
Other? view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 140

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

 

Should there be minority representation on the Board of Aldermen?
 
Should there be minority representation on the Board of Aldermen?
 
Yes (74)54%
No (54)40%
Not Sure (8)6%

 
Total Votes: 136

 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

 

2008 Super Bowl Poll
 
Who will win the 2008 Super Bowl?
 
New York Giants (58)52%
New England Patriots (54)48%

 
Total Votes: 112
Derby , CT Web Site

 

Do you agree with the Aldermen's decision to end the Preferred Developer Agreement?
 
Do you agree with the Aldermen's decision to end the Preferred Developer Agreement?
 
Yes (91)67%
No (30)22%
Not sure (12)9%
Don't Care (2)1%
Other view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 135

 

What kind of year will the City of Derby have in 2008?
 
What kind of year will the City of Derby have in 2008?
 
Great (26)22%
Very Good (24)21%
Average (28)24%
Not So Good (23)20%
Poor (15)13%
Other view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 116
 

 

What kind of year will you have in 2008?
 
What kind of year will you have in 2008?
 
Great (32)28%
Very Good (37)32%
Average (36)32%
Not So Good (7)6%
Poor (2)2%

 
Total Votes: 114

 

 

Election 2007

Incumbent Mayor Anthony Staffieri was the clear winner in the on-line poll, and that proved to be the case in the real election as well.

Election 2007
 
Which candidate will make the best mayor for Derby?
 
Anthony Staffieri (385)47%
John Orazietti (310)38%
Melvin Thompson (124)15%

 
Total Votes: 819

Which winter parking regulations would be best for the city?
 
Keep the current monthly rotation (26)51%
Switch to the daily rotation now being proposed (13)25%
Other view suggestions (0)0%

 

Total Votes: 51
 

 

Who do you think would make the best Democratic candidate for mayor?
John Orazietti (261)32%
Dina Weissman (543)68%

Total Votes: 804

 

What is your opinion of the new graffiti ordinance?

The Board of Aldermen recently adopted a new ordinance to deal with graffiti in the city that includes the possibility of offering a reward for information resulting in those making graffiti being caught. How do you feel about it?

What is your opinion of the new graffiti ordinance?
What is your opinion of the new graffiti ordinance?
 

Not Strong enough (60)63%
Just about right (26)27%
Excessive (4)4%
I don't know (5)5%
 
Total Votes: 95

 
Enter your comments

 Cards for Illegal Immigrants
Is New Haven's plan for ID cards for illegal immigrants a good idea?
 

Yes (226)44%
No (284)55%
Not Sure (6)1%
Total Votes: 516
Enter your comments

 

Which animal should be the Valley's "River Animal"
 

Bald Eagle (71)23%
Raccoon (33)11%
Beaver (210)67%

 
Total Votes: 314

Who should be elected to the first class in Derby's "Hall of Fame"?
 

David Humphreys (246)17%
Isaac Hull (207)14%
Ebeneezer Bassett (41)3%
Dr. John Ireland Howe (44)3%
Fighting Joe Wheeler (26)2%
Francis Osborne Kellogg (174)12%
Rev. Richard Mansfield (263)18%
Frank Witek (109)7%
Frank Gates (58)4%
Lou DeFilippo (106)7%
Other view suggestions (213)14%

 
Total Votes: 1487

Is combining the finance director positions good for the city?
Is combining the finance director positions good for the city?
 

Yes (90)63%
No (46)32%
Don't Know/Unsure (7)5%

 
Total Votes: 143

Do you agree with the decision to fire Don Imus?Do you agree with the decision for fire Don Imus?

Yes (32)16%
No (152)78%
Not Sure (6)3%
Don't Care (4)2%
Total Votes: 194
  

The Derby School Building Referendum

The City of Derby is voting on a new school building proposal on today! You can read all about it here before heading out to the polls. Since there are actually two questions on the ballot with the second dependent on the failure of the first question to pass, we presented the two questions as separate polls here as well.

School Building Question #1
“SHALL THE CITY OF DERBY APPROPRIATE $28,000,000 FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW GRADES 6 THROUGH 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITY TO BE LOCATED ON THE DERBY HIGH SCHOOL SITE, AND AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES AND TEMPORARY NOTES IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO DEFRAY SAID APPROPRIATION?”
 
Yes (194)56%
No (155)44%

 
Total Votes: 349
 
School Building Question #2
“SHALL THE CITY OF DERBY, IF THE NEW GRADES 6 THROUGH 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITY PROJECT IS NOT APPROVED, IN LIEU THEREOF APPROPRIATE $23,190,000 FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW GRADES 7 THROUGH 8 MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITY TO BE LOCATED ON THE DERBY HIGH SCHOOL SITE AND A TWO CLASSROOM ADDITION TO BRADLEY SCHOOL, AND AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES AND TEMPORARY NOTES IN THE SAME AMOUNT TO DEFRAY SAID APPROPRIATION?”
 
Yes (99)44%
No (125)56%

 
Total Votes: 224
 

 

Who will win the Super Bowl?
 

Chicago Bears (49)49%
Indianapolis Colts (50)51%
 
Total Votes: 99
 

 

Do you support the President's plan to send more troops to Iraq?

Yes (94)49%
No (89)46%
Don't Know/Unsure (9)5%
 
Total Votes: 192
 

What kind of Christmas Tree will you be getting this year?
How many options should there be on the school building referendum?

How many options should there be on the school building referendum?
 
How many options should there be on the school building referendum?
 
One (73)34%
Two (119)55%
None (23)11%
 
Total Votes: 215

 

What kind of Christmas Tree will you be getting this year?

A real one (55)40%
An artificial one (51)38%
None (30)22%

 
Total Votes: 136
 

What is the best league for Derby High sports teams?

Southern Connecticut Conference (current) (72)39%
Naugatuck Valley League (73)39%
Pequot League (4)2%
Southwest Conference (6)3%
Independent (no league) (15)8%

 
Total Votes: 187

Election, 2006

Who will you vote for in the 17th State Senate Race?

17th Senate District
 
Who will you vote for in the 17th State Senate Race?
 
Joe Crisco (64)41%
Boaz Itshaky (76)49%
I am not voting (12)8%
Other - Write in here view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 155

Who will you vote for in the 104th State Representative Race?

104th Assembly District
 
Who will you vote for in the 104th State Representative Race?
 
J. R. Romano (113)63%
Linda M. Gentile (59)33%
I am not voting (5)3%
Other - Write in here view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 179

Who will you vote for in the 114th State Representative Race?

114th Assembly District
 
Who will you vote for in the 114th State Representative Race?
 
Themis Klarides (90)68%
Suzanne Mizzoni (35)27%
I am not voting (4)3%
Other - Write in here view suggestions (0)0%

Who will be elected governor in Connecticut?

Who will be elected governor in Connecticut?
 
Who will be elected governor in Connecticut?
 
Jodi Rell (199)72%
John DeSteano (68)25%
Other - type here view suggestions (0)0%

Who will you vote for in 3rd U.S. Congressional District?

3rd Congressional District
 
Who will you vote for in 3rd U.S. Congressional District?
 
Rosa DeLauro (72)55%
Joseph Vollano (36)28%
Daniel A. Sumrall (8)6%
I am not voting (12)9%
Other - Write in here view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dogs on the Greenway?

Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
Should dogs be banned from the Greenway?
 
Yes (123)48%
No (125)49%
I don't care (8)3%

 
Total Votes: 256

 
Enter your comments
 

Should Alan Schlesinger continue to run as the Republican candidate for the U. S. Senate?

Republican Senate Candidate
Should Alan Schlesinger continue to run as the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate?
 
Yes (61)41%
No (68)45%
I don't care (13)9%
Other - type here view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 150
 

Do you think that Joe Lieberman should run for the Senate as an Independent candidate?

Independent Run
Should Joe Lieberman run for the Senate as an indpendent candidate?
 
Yes (103)61%
No (61)36%
I don't care (5)3%
Other - type here view suggestions (0)0%

 
Total Votes: 170

Do you support the the creation of a special tax district in the downtown redevelopment area?

The Governor came to Derby on July 18 (Click here for story) (Click here to read the legislation)  to sign special legislation that will allow the City to create a special tax district to finance infrastructure improvements in the downtown redevelopment area. Do you support the concept?

Do you support the the creation of a special tax district in the downtown redevelopment area?
 
Yes (114)34%
No (198)59%
I need more information (23)7%
Don't care (3)1%

 
Total Votes: 338
 
Enter your comments

Who will win the Democratic Governor's Primary?

With only a week to go before the primary, we thought it was time to see who you think will win the Democratic primary for governor. John DeStefano of New haven and Dannel Malloy of Stamford are trying to become the first mayor to be elected governor since Morgan Gardner Bulkeley way back in 1893. Who do you think will win the primary?

The Democratic Governor's Primary
 
Who will win the Democratic primary for Governor/
 
John DeStefano (7)44%
Dannel Malloy (4)25%
I don't care (4)25%
Other - type here view suggestions (0)0%
Total Votes: 16

 

Who will win the Democratic Senate Primary?

The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate is slated for August 8, but we want to know who you think will win right now. Do you think it will be Ned Lamont of incumbent Joe Lieberman. Click on their names to check out what they stand for in the election before casting your vote here. Former Derby Mayor Alan Schlesinger is the Republican candidate.

The Democratic Senate Primary
 
Who will you vote for in August?
 
Joe Lieberman (46)51%
Ned Lamont (38)42%
I don't care (5)5%
Other - type here view suggestions (0)0%
Total Votes: 91

 

Do you agree with the C.I.A.C.'s new "mercy" rule for high school football?
Do you agree with the C.I.A.C.'s new "mercy" rule for high school football?
 

Yes (42)26%
No (106)65%
Not Sure (2)1%
Don't care (12)7%

 
Total Votes: 162

 
Enter your comments

 

Should English be made the official national language?

Yes (130)92%
No (9)6%
No opinion (2)1%

 
Total Votes: 141

 
Enter your comments
 

Do you agree with the verdict in Zacarias Moussaoui's trial?
Do you agree with the verdict in Zacarias Moussaoui's trial?
 

Yes (38)50%
No (34)45%
Don't Care (4)5%

 
Total Votes: 76

 
Enter your comments

 

What should the U.S. do about illegal immigrants?
What should the U.S. do about illegal immigrants?
 
Deport them (75)53%
Erect a fence on the border (12)9%
Provide amnesty and work visas (25)18%
Do Nothing (20)14%
I don't know (4)3%
Other view suggestions (5)4%

 
Total Votes: 141

Will the UConn women win the NCAA Championship?
 

Yes (6)43%
No (5)36%
I don't care (2)14%
I'm watching the men! (1)7%

 
Total Votes: 14

hip?
Will the UConn men win the NCAA championship?
 

Yes (21)43%
No (17)35%
I don't care (2)4%
I'm watching the women (9)18%
Total Votes: 49
 
Enter your comments

Derby, Connecticut

How happy are you?

Very happy (22)56%
Pretty happy (11)28%
Not too happy (6)15%

 
Total Votes: 39
 

How do you feel about eliminating the property tax on automobiles?

Great idea (77)61%
I'll believe it when I see it (28)22%
Terrible idea (17)13%
I don't care (1)1%
I need more information (4)3%
 
Total Votes: 127

ossment?
Who will win Super Bowl XL?
 

Pittsburgh Steelers (141)75%
Seattle Seahawks (35)19%
I don't care (12)6%
I don't know (1)1%

 
Total Votes: 189

 
Enter your comments

 

How do you feel about your new tax assessment?
 

Too high (147)84%
Just about right (17)10%
Too low (3)2%
Don't know (8)5%

 
Total Votes: 175

 

Flu Shots?
Will you be getting a flu shot this year?
 
Yes (35)29%
No (84)70%
Not sure (1)1%
Total Votes: 120
 
Enter your comments

Will Derby beat Shelton on Thanksgiving?
Will Derby beat Shelton on Thanksgiving Day? (Shelton won 44-25)
Our participants did better with the political poll than they did with the sports poll!

Yes (63)54%
No (28)24%
Don't know (3)3%
Don't care (22)19%

 
Total Votes: 116
 
Enter your comments

 

The Election Poll drew the highest participation of any in the history of the web site, and the results were right on target with the actual results. Who should be elected Mayor of Derby this November?
Who should be elected Mayor of Derby this November? (Staffieri won)
 

Marc J. Garofalo (684)46%
Tony Staffieri (798)53%
Other (14)1%

 
Total Votes: 1496

Supreme Court

Should John Roberts be confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
Should John Roberts be confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
 
Yes (56)52%
No (47)44%
I am not sure (2)2%
I don't care (2)2%

 
Total Votes: 107

Should the U.S. Senate confirm John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court?
Should the U.S. Senate confirm John Roberts for a seat on the Supreme Court?
 

Yes (42)53%
No (34)43%
I am not sure (2)3%
I don't care (1)1%

Eminent Domain

In a decision based on a case in New London, the Supreme Court has ruled that local governments may seize people’s homes and businesses — even against their will — for private economic development in the best interest of the community. With the City of Derby currently embarking on a number of economic development efforts, the Court's decision could have local significance. The vast majority of those participating in our poll did not agree with the Court.

Seizure of Private Property
Should local governments be allowed to seize private property for development that benefits the entire community?

Yes (56)21%
No (203)76%
Not sure (8)3%
Total Votes: 267

Social Security

One of the proposals being discussed as part of the Social Security debate is the concept of a personal savings account where employees would be able to set aside a portion of their mandatory Social Security contributions into a personal savings account which would give them the opportunity to invest in a limited number of conservative investments. Do you agree?

Should Social Security Include Private Savings Accounts?
Should Social Security Include Private Savings Accounts?
 

Yes (40)55%
No (32)44%
Don't Know (1)1%
Total Votes: 73
 

Enter your comments

School Referendum

A recent vote to schedule a school building referendum in June failed to pass, and the mayor then appointed three committees to study the whole school issue before deciding whether there should be a referendum. That committee came to the conclusion that they could not complete their work in time for a June referendum, and they are now pointing to November as a possible date. For this poll, we didn't ask whether you approved or disapproved of building a school. This questions simply was whether there should be a school building referendum or not. o

Should Derby have another school building referendum?
 
Should Derby have another school building referendum?
 
Yes (67)51%
No (63)48%
No opinion (2)2%

 
Total Votes: 132
 

w do you feel about the Harvard President's comments about women in science and math?
How do you feel about the Harvard President's comments about women in science and math?
 

He's very enlightened! (24)41%
He's a caveman! (11)19%
He is raising issues that need to be discussed. (13)22%
Isn't this how the Nazis got their start? (5)8%
I don't care (6)10%
 
Total Votes: 59

Enter your comments

 

Should surveillance cameras be used in public places for law enforcement?
Should surveillance cameras be used in public places for law enforcement?
 
Yes, great idea, it will help to lower crime (33)36%
Yes, it might be helpful, but who decides where and when? (16)17%
No, this is a serious invasion of personal privacy (36)39%
No, it won't work (4)4%
Not sure (3)3%
 
Total Votes: 92
comments

Oscar Selections:

What picture will win the Oscar for "Best Picture" this year?
What picture will win the Oscar for "Best Picture" this year?
 
The Aviator (19)44%
Finding Neverland (1)2%
Million Dollar Baby (8)19%
Ray (11)26%
Sideways (4)9%
Total Votes: 43
 

Block watch for Caroline Street:Caroline Street Block Watch
Should Caroline Street residents create a Block Watch program?

Yes (30)73%
No (2)5%
Not sure (2)5%
Only if other streets do (2)5%
Other  (5)12%
 
Total Votes: 41

Super Bowl:

Who will win the Super Bowl?
Who will win the Super Bowl?
 
Philadelphia Eagles (16)38%
New England Patriots (26)62%
Total Votes: 42

Tsunami Relief

Tsunami Relief
Are you planning to donate to tsunami relief?
 
Yes (8)15%
I already have (14)26%
Not Sure (19)36%
No (12)23%
 
Total Votes: 53

Enter your comments


 

The Death PenaltyDo you favor the death penalty for Connecticut?
Do you favor the death penalty for Connecticut?
 

Yes (70)66%
No (33)31%
No opinion (3)3%
 
Total Votes: 106

Enter your comments


Derby, Connecticut

The Kite Runner, a novel by Khaled Hosseini has won the hearts and minds of Naugatuck Valley readers in the One Book – One Valley book selection process. Sixty- three readers in eight towns reviewed books for this lower Naugatuck Valley-wide project.  They chose this powerful and unforgettable book, because it contained many universal issues:  love, honor, allegiance, guilt, fear, courage, and suffering (just to name a few). Everyone in the Valley will be asked to participate in a great community experience by reading the book and participating in a variety of related activities. Click here to learn more. Evidently, the book did not appeal to many in Derby!Will you participate in the One Book - One Valley project?
Will you participate in the One Book - One Valley project?
 

Yes (6)33%
No (10)56%
Not Sure (2)11%
Total Votes: 18
 
Enter your comments

 

 of Education Referendum
Should the Board of Education be partially appointed?
 
Yes (28)27%
No (71)68%
Not Sure (6)6%

 

Total Votes: 105

The Presidential Election
Who will you vote for in Presidential race?
 
George W. Bush (173)51%
John Kerry (151)44%
Ralph Nader (11)3%
I am not voting (2)1%
Other - type here view suggestions (5)1%

 
Total Votes: 342

Third Congressional District
Who will you vote for in November for the US Congress?

 
Rosa DeLauro (74)65%
Rick Elser (34)30%
I am not voting (2)2%
Other - Write in view suggestions (4)4%

 
Total Votes: 114

17th District State Senate Race
Who will you vote for in the State Senate Race in the 17th District?
 
Joseph Crisco (40)43%
James S. Bartlett (42)45%
I am not voting (3)3%
Other - Write in here view suggestions (8)9%

 
Total Votes: 93

104th Assembly District
Who will you vote for in the 104th State Representative Race?
 
J. R. Romano (144)78%
Linda M. Gentile (34)18%
I am not voting (1)1%
Other - Write in here view suggestions (5)3%

 
Total Votes: 184

What should be done with Fountain Lake?

The Board of Aldermen recently voted to explore the possibility of exploring the possibility of building new baseball and softball fields on the Fountain Lake property which the city originally bought for economic development purposes. The city has been unsuccessful in marketing the property for private enterprise and will now explore using the property for recreation. Our poll participants were leaning towards open space, but no choice got a majority vote.

Future of Fountain Lake
 
Future of Fountain Lake
 
Build fields (19)26%
Keep for economic development (19)26%
Leave as open space (32)44%
Don't Know (2)3%

 
Total Votes: 72
 

 

Should the Lilac be named as the city's official flower?

The answer is yes, just as our participants had hoped! The Board of Aldermen have named the Lilac the city's official flower (bush). The history of the Lilac in Derby goes back a long way. Click here to learn about the history before answering this poll.

Should Derby name the lilac the city's flower?
 
Should Derby name the lilac the city's flower?
 
Yes (60)83%
No (9)12%
Don't Know (3)4%
 
Total Votes: 72
 

Should the Pledge of Allegiance be changed?

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a suit by a California atheist who is asking the court to rule that the words "under God" must be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, in 1892. The pledge eventually caught on across the country and became a center piece of the school day for most students. However, it was not until 1942 that Congress adopted the pledge as an official part of the United States Flag Code. The words "under God" were added to the pledge on Flag Day in 1954. The people in Derby as shown by our poll results are overwhelmingly in favor of leaving things as they are.

How do you feel about the Pledge of Allegiance?
 
How do you feel about the Pledge of Allegiance?
 
Leave it as is (104)82%
Drop the words "under God" (22)17%
No Opinion (1)1%
 
Total Votes: 127

 

Who is your favorite major league team?

Whether the Yankees win on the field or not remains to be seen, but they were a clear winner in our poll of favorite baseball teams. The Red Sox were second (What else is new??) while the Mets were a distant third!

Favorite Baseball Team
What is your favorite major league baseball team?
 
Yankees (31)48%
Red Sox (19)30%
Mets (9)14%
Type any other here view suggestions (5)8%
 
Total Votes: 64

How satisfied are you with the Board of Education's final report on the high school incident? Click here to read the report.

How satisfied are you with the Board of Education's final report on the high school incident?
 
How satisfied are you with the Board of Education's final report on the high school incident?
 
Completely Satisfied 21%
Somewhat Satisfied 11%
Competely unsatisfied 65%
Not sure 3%

 

Who will win this year's Super Bowl?

For the second time in three years, our pollsters have predicted the Patriots as the winners of the Super Bowl!

Who will win this year's Super Bowl?
 
Who will win this year's Super Bowl??
 
New England Patriots (25)78%
Carolina Panthers (5)16%
Don't Know (0)0%
Don't Care (2)6%

 
Total Votes: 32

 

What should the governor do?

The Governor did not fare very well in our poll about his next steps as more than 3 of every 4 responding felt that he should resign!

What should the governor do?
 
What should the governor do?
 
Continue to govern (18)25%
Resign (53)75%
Don't know (0)0%
Don't care (0)0%
 
Total Votes: 71

 

Flu Shot This Year ?

Yes (13)35%
No (23)62%
No, but I will (1)3%
 
Total Votes: 37
Enter your comments

Connecticut's Corruption Tip Line

Chief State’s Attorney Christopher L. Morano has announced the establishment of a toll-free telephone tip line that will allow the public to alert investigators to government corruption. The toll-free corruption tip line is 1-888-PIB-CSAO, or 1-888-742-2726. Do you think this is a good idea?

Connecticut's "Corruption Tip Line"
 
Is Connecticut's "Corruption Tip Line" a good idea?
 
Yes (17)68%
No (7)28%
Not Sure (1)4%
 
Total Votes: 25

Another Thanksgiving Day Miracle?

 A year ago Derby High School pulled off one of its biggest upsets ever in the history of its rivalry with cross-river rival Shelton 13-12 costing the Gaels a state tournament berth. (Click here for story.) Can lightning strike twice? Our respondents didn't think so - and they were right as Shelton rolled to a 32-6 win. The Raiders had a tough season and the Gaels followed the Thanksgiving win with two more as they son another state championship. The Thanksgiving Day game was played on Thanksgiving morning at Ryan Field. Ironically, Shelton played all of their home games there this year as Derby graciously allowed Shelton to play their home games at the Ryan Field complex while their field is being upgraded with artificial turf.

Will Derby beat Shelton?
 
Will Derby upset Shelton on Thanksgiving Day?
 
Yes (30)34%
No (44)51%
Don't know (3)3%
Don't care (10)11%

The Sterling Opera House

How do you like the work done on the Sterling Opera House?
 
On a scale of 1-5, how do you like the work done on the Sterling Opera House?
 
1 - Fantastic (33)41%
2 - Looks Good (19)24%
3 - OK (3)4%
4 - Decent start (3)4%
5 - What about the rest? (20)25%
 
Total Votes: 80

 

The November Election

Our straw poll takers were right on track with this year's municipal elections as they had predicted Marc Garofalo's landslide victory over Brad Tobin. The straw poll results gave the incumbent a 67% share and in the actual election he got just over 70%.  Click here to see the true results.

Who will win the November election for mayor?
 
Who will win the November election for mayor?
 
Marc Garofalo (154)67%
Brad Tobin (76)33%

 
Total Votes: 230
 

 

World Series

The World Series is history, and so are our Yankee fans who were in the vast majority in our two baseball polls, but will now have to endure a long winter of what-ifs - along with many glum Red Sox fans!

Who will win the World Series?
 
Who will win the World Series?
 
Yankees (21)68%
Marlins (4)13%
Darn if I know! (1)3%
Who cares? (5)16%
 
Total Votes: 31

 

Another Sister City?

The poll on additional sister cities drew many votes and many suggestions and comments. Though many people think that Derby, England is a sister city, it is not and never has been. Puglianello is the only official sister city for Derby, and this new relationship has blossomed over the last couple of years. In recent years, we have maintained an on-line relationship with Derby, England journalist Jim Brennan, but nothing formal has developed to date. Our voters thought we should have a relationship with Derby, but not overwhelmingly. There was sentiment expressed for a variety of other possibilities and many were opposed to any new relationship with Derby, England or anyone else.

Another Sister City for Derby
 
Should Derby connect to Derby, England as a sister city?
 
Yes (58)54%
No (42)39%
Not Sure (0)0%
Another City - type here view suggestions (8)7%
Total Votes: 108
Comments

 


Ansonia/Derby Football Game

Our poll participants voted with their hearts, but even a night's postponement couldn't save the Red Raiders this time as Ansonia proved they were number one in the state with a solid, but merciful 48-0 thumping of the Raiders.


 
Who will win this week's Ansonia-Derby football game?
 
Ansonia (21)42%
Derby (29)58%
 
Total Votes: 50
Derby Connecticut

 

Democratic Primary

Voters voting in our straw poll took it on the chin in the primary on September 9 as incumbent Mayor Marc Garofalo completely reversed the voting in the poll. Check out all the real results by clicking here.

Our straw poll gave Kelleher a nice win, but remember more than registered Democrats or Derby residents can vote in these polls. Keep that in mind before making any prognostications based on the results of our straw poll!

Final Results

Whom should the Democrats select as their candidate for mayor?
 
Marc Garofalo (315)42%
Mike Kelleher (440)58%

 
Total Votes: 755


Skate Park

The Recreation Commission has reported back to the Board of Aldermen on potential locations for a new skate park, and they listed the following three sites for consideration:

  • Former Oponiak Property in East Derby now owned by the city
  • Parking lot between the Uluski Field and the high school on Nutmeg Avenue
  • Vacant property on Caroline Street purchased from Webster Bank

The Commission also recommended that before proceeding with any site selection that the city have discussions with Shelton to see if a joint effort between the towns might be the best solution.

Final Poll Results - Where should the city build the new skate park?

 
Where should the city build the new skate park?
 
Parking lot between Little League and high school (26)25%
Caroline Street lot near Spooner House (32)31%
City property near flood control walls (9)9%
O'Sullivan's Island (9)9%
One of the tennis courts at Bradley School (16)16%
Enter another site here view suggestions (11)11%

 
Total Votes: 103

 

Downtown Development


How do you feel about the Starwood Ceruzzi design for a new downtown?
Best thing to happen in the last 50 years (80)42%
A positive first step (32)17%
Neutral (7)4%
Skeptical (26)14%
Not a good idea (46)24%

Total Votes: 191

Derby High's Greatest Sports Moment

Derby High School's Greatest Sports Moment
What was the greatest moment in Derby High School sports history?
State Football Championship - 1969 (23)5%
State Football Championship - 1973 (32)7%
State Football Championship - 1990 (146)34%
Class "M" Basketball Championship - 1951 (21)5%
Class "S" Baseball Championship - 1996 (13)3%
Wrestling "Three-peat" (73)17%
Class "S" Baseball Championship - 1992 (10)2%
Football team 34 game unbeaten streak 1967-1970 (74)17%
Post your own choice view suggestions (20)5%

Total Votes: 432


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