MACON, Ga. — 13WMAZ's Listening Lab is far from over — but with our first stretch of events complete and our surveys compiled, counted and tabulated, we thought we'd share what respondents have told us so far!
First, we counted up the surveys. We asked people to list the five issues they care most about over the three days at the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival, and more than 200 people filled out a survey in person. Online, we got more than 170 completed surveys, too.
While the data represents mostly Bibb County and Houston County residents, in total, we have received responses from 15 Central Georgia counties at this point.
You can also fill out the online survey here.
But with what we have right now, here are the top five issues people are telling us they care about.
Number 5 — Immigration: 110 votes.
Immigration was also a top-five issue for Houston, Peach, Baldwin and Jones counties.
"I don't agree with everybody coming into our country illegally," Charlotte Sullivan said. "If you want to come into our country, do it the right way."
Number 4 - Healthcare Cost and Access: 115 votes
This issue was in the top five for Peach, Jones and Baldwin counties.
Number 3 - Ethics in Government: 128 votes
The behavior of elected officials has lots of you concerned.
"I don't know who the commissioner is over Pleasant Hill, but our area, Pleasant Hill, it's just going in the wrong direction," one respondent said.
Another respondent says they hope to see improvement.
"Hopefully we get someone in office that suits our needs," they said
It didn't make the top five among Bibb County survey-takers, but it did in Houston, Peach, Jones, Crawford and Laurens Counties.
Number 2 - Inflation: 150 votes
It's an issue among all survey takers, something that affects everyone: inflation.
"Inflation," one respondent said. "Housing costs."
Another person said government spending is also an issue.
"Federal/state spending," one respondent said. "Inflation."
150 people said they are concerned about inflation.
Number 1 - Violent Crime: 192 votes
Among all the issues, violent crime got the most votes and is an issue many Central Georgians are concerned about.
Keep in mind: 113 of the 192 people who listed as a major issue are from Bibb County.
"It's not gun violence, it's people violence. People get this idea to just get a gun and shoot people," one respondent said.
But one respondent offered an optimistic tone, emphasizing the need to get things done as a community.
"I love my city of Macon. I think we've got a great city," they said. "And I think we need to all work together to make it a better place to feel safe in."
Other issues ranking close to the top five include road conditions, poverty and homelessness good-paying jobs and federal-state spending.
But we're still excited to hear more about the issues impacting you! We hope to see you soon at the Dogwood Festival and the International City Experience! And if you would like to fill out an online survey, you can do so here.