Poll: Taxes, Corruption Replace Economy as County's Biggest Problems

A survey of county residents shows a surge in confidence in the economy, with concerns now turning to high taxes and government corruption.

An annual survey of 500 residents in Anne Arundel County is conducted by the Anne Arundel Community College's Center for the Study of Local Issues. 

This year's poll found that 57 percent of those surveyed were negatively affected by federal sequestration. The survey was conducted from Oct. 14-17, during the final week of the government shutdown. The timing of the survey may have played a role in the focus of the answers, according to a report from the Center.

The chief concern among county residents was that taxes were too high, at 19 percent of the total surveyed. 

In previous years, concern for the economy was the top issue. Now, economic fears have declined to 2007 levels, based on data in the survey. Only 16 percent cited the economy as the county's most important problem, a drop of 11 percent from the previous year, and a dramatic decline from 2011, when 48 percent cited it. 

"The most pronounced trend has been an increase in the percentages of those citing government ethics/waste and those citing 'taxes' as the most important problems," according to the study, adding that this could mean there is a declining sense of trust and return on investment from government.

Other important problems facing the county included: 

• Growth/development: 4 percent
• Education/school problems: 6 percent
• Traffic congestion: 4 percent
• Crime/drugs: 9 percent