The weekly poll at dispatchnews.com gave an indication of what people were thinking about current events or simply the things that people generally talk about the most, such as football, politics, gas prices and government. Here's some of what was on folks' minds:
JANUARY Are the Seahawks going to the Super Bowl again? " Absolutely. Go Hawks. 67 percent " No, not this year. Tough to repeat. 18 percent " I hope so, but I'm nervous. 15 percent (They made it. Just didn't win.)
FEBRUARY What's worse for driving GÇô going too fast or cell phone distractions? " 9 percent Speeding. People need to slow down. " 91 percent Cell phones. Put'em down and drive. (Enough said.)
Do you support higher state gas taxes to pay for major highway work and other transportation projects? 88 percent No. Our gas tax is high enough. 12 percent Yes. The money has to come from somewhere.
What should your government leaders focus on the most? " The economy and creating jobs. 64 percent " The cost of healthcare. 16 percent " Keeping taxes under control. 20
MARCH Is it time to end the switching between Daylight Savings Time and Standard Time? " 84 percent Yes, the change isn't worth the trouble. " 16 percent No. The change is no trouble at all.
APRIL How expensive does gasoline have to before you start driving less? " 36 percent $3.50 a gallon or higher. " 36 percent Doesn't matter. I just keep driving. " 28 percent At least $3 a gallon.
The Seattle Mariners are opening their new season. So how far will they go this year? 40 percent The playoffs, but not the World Series. 40 percent Same old thing GÇô no playoffs. 20 percent World Series, baby. (What's a World Series?)
How do you rate the quality of education in your kids' schools? " 7 percent Excellent. " 36 percent Very good, but always room for improvement. " 57 percent Not good enough.
MAY Would you consider running for pubilc office? " 25 percent Yes, it's a way to be involved and meet civic duty. " 50 percent No, I want no part of being in the publc eye that way. " 25 percent Maybe someday if I have the time. (In the candidate filing that month for the 2015 election, three offices attracted zero candidates, and eight other offices got just one candidate).
JUNE Are you okay with higher fees that took effect May 2 at Mount Rainier National Park? " 43 percent Yes, it's worth it. " 35 percent Doesn't matter, I go there rarely or not at all. " 22 percent I'll deal with it, but might go there less often now.
Would you make a donation to pay for Eatonville's Independence Day celebration to keep it going? " 59 percent-á-á No, I can get by without it, or have other uses for my money. " 41 percent -áYes. It's a local tradition that deserves support.
JULY How do you conserve water during a long, dry summer? " 71 percent Water lawn less or not at all. " 15 percent Run dish and clothes washers only when they're full. " 14 percent Wash cars or pets less often.
Voting has begun in the primary election. Counting this one, how good is your record of voting in elections? " 90 percent I never miss one. " 10 percent I don't vote.
AUGUST The Seahawks are starting their training camp this month for the 2015 season. Is it too soon for fans to be thinking of football? 50 pecent I wait until the games start before I pay much attention. 28 percent I think about football all year. 22 percent Not if it's the Seahawks.
SEPTEMBER How do wildfires this summer and the threat of more affect you? " 83 percent I'm sad for the loss of life and property and for injuries. And I'm grateful for the efforts of firefighters. " 17 percent I do what I can to reduce the risk of fires.
OCTOBER How big of a fan are you of your favorite high school's football team? " 40 percent I follow the team but don't go to games. " 40 percent Sorry, football's not my sport. " 20 percent I never miss a home game and try to go away games.
How will you vote on Pierce County's proposed $230 million general services office building? " 67 percent Against it " 29 percent For it " 4 percent Not sure ("Against itGÇ¥ won.)
DECEMBER Do you agree with the government bans on e-cigarette vaping in Eatonville (in public parks) and Pierce County (in public places and workplaces)? " 62 percent Yes, it's a public health issue. " 38 percent No, let people vape if and where they want.
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