What the DNT poll means

Assuming (and any assumption based on a self selected sample of voters) that the DNT poll is a good reflection of Duluth’s voters this is how it should be viewed:

47% of Duluthians oppose the Red Plan and would thus obviously want to have a referendum.

41 % of Duluthians support the Red Plan. However, it can not be assumed that all of this smaller number of people would want the plan shoved down the throats of Duluth without a vote. I think its likely that at least half of this group would support a referendum based simply on the idea of fairness.

If I read these numbers right the tables would be turned on Johnson Controls claim that 77% of Duluthians support bypassing the voters. Darned near half the voters want a referendum based on this new poll. And some percentage of those who support the Red plan could be expected to support a referendum. Together this would certainly be enough to push the numbers of referendum supporters to over 50%.

About the author

Harry is a ferociously good natured eccentric in Duluth Minnesota who detests traitors dressed up as Uncle Sam. You can find somewhat better edited writings of his at the Duluth Reader "contributors." page. The URL is:

https://duluthreader.com/contributors/h/84/284-harry-welty