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Land-use planning: attitudes and behavior of elected officials and their constituents

Journal Article · · Soc. Sci. Q.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6607803

The relationship between public attitudes and official actions involving controversial land-use issues is examined in a survey of Utah's elected representatives and residents. The study was conducted to determine to what extent elected representatives perceive public opinion and incorporate it into their decision processes. Data sources included a random statewide attitudinal survey, a survey of legislators prior to voting, the actual roll-call vote, and a follow-up statewide survey. While a strong link develops between legislators' perceptions of constituent attitudes and the final vote, other economic and political factors appear to have influence when special interests are involved. Voters were found to have often misread or been ignorant of their representative's vote. These factors, some of which may take precedence over the land-use question at issue, should be incorporated in the model. 18 references.

OSTI ID:
6607803
Journal Information:
Soc. Sci. Q.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Sci. Q.; (United States) Vol. 59:1; ISSN SSQTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English