New York City Voters Give Bill Bratton Low Approval - Want Smaller Role For First Lady
- New York 11/19/2014 by Linda Perry (WBAI)


New York City First Lady, Chirlane McCray
In a Quinnipiac Poll released today 86 percent of New York City voters say crime and police brutality are "very serious" or "somewhat serious" problems. The most important problem facing the City according to New Yorkers is the economy.

Here are some findings:  

NYC First Lady: Only 24 percent of New York City voters, including 26 percent of women, say the mayor's spouse should have a "major role" in shaping public policy, while 37 percent say she should have a "minor role" and 34 percent say she should have no role. 

The mayor's spouse should not have a chief of staff, voters say 61 - 31 percent, including 55 - 34 percent among women. 

Bill Bratton: Voters approve 47 - 35 percent of the job Police Commissioner William Bratton is doing, the lowest rating for a police commissioner in more than 12 years. Voters approve 54 - 39 percent of the job police citywide are doing and approve 69 - 27 percent of the job police in their community are doing. 

NYPD: Police citywide are generally tougher on blacks than on whites, 62 percent of voters say, while 31 percent say police treat everyone the same. Looking at police in their community, 45 percent say they are tougher on blacks and 45 percent say police treat everyone the same. 

Police should use necessary force with someone who refuses to be arrested, 60 percent of voters say, while 13 percent say police should walk away. 

Eric Garner: But 64 percent of New York City voters say there is no excuse for the death of Eric Garner on Staten Island and voters approve 63 - 25 percent of bringing criminal charges against the police officer involved in Garner's death. 

Horse-drawn Carriages: New York City voters say 63 - 27 percent that Mayor de Blasio should not ban horse- drawn carriages. 

The Economy: In an open-ended question, allowing for any answer, 20 percent of voters say the economy is the most important problem facing New York City, followed by 13 percent who list housing, 12 percent who list crime and 11 percent who list education. Only 6 percent list police and only 1 percent list racism or race relations. 

Public Schools/Charters: Only 25 percent of voters are satisfied with New York City public schools, while 58 percent are not satisfied. The mayor should increase the number of charter schools in the city, 43 percent of voters say, while 17 percent say he should cut the number of charter schools and 31 percent say he should keep the same number. 

De Blasio as a national spokesman on liberal issues is good for the city, 27 percent of voters say, as 18 percent say it's bad for the city and 49 percent who say it makes no difference. 

From November 12 - 17, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,164 New York City voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percentage points. Live interviewers call land lines and cell phones.