INDIANAPOLIS – While on the campaign trail, Mayor Pete Buttigieg portrays South Bend as "one of America's turnaround cities." However, following a scientific survey of South Bend residents in August 2018, people in Buttigieg's hometown have a different message for their mayor: He has failed to do his job.
The City of South Bend Community Survey, which was funded by the City of South Bend and questioned 721 city residents last year, found that most city residents are dissatisfied with the infrastructure and public safety services in their neighborhoods.
Survey results include:
- 65% of residents are dissatisfied with "the maintenance of city streets, sidewalks and infrastructure" (page 11)
- 51% of residents don't agree that they have "an overall feeling of safety in [their] neighborhood (page 17)
- 64% of residents disagree that "the city is a safe community for everyone" (page 2)
- 70% of residents don't agree "the city has vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods" (page 2)
- 71% of residents don't agree "the city has a strong, inclusive economy" (page 2)
- 72% of resident don't agree "all residents are empowered with education, mobility & technology" (page 2)
These responses contrast dramatically with benchmarks nationally and in the Great Lakes region. According to the survey (page 31):
- 13% of South Bend residents agreed that "South Bend is a safe community for everyone."
- 69% of Americans agreed that their community is safe for everyone.
- 68% of residents of the Great Lakes region agreed their community is safe for everyone.
"As a local elected official, your two most basic jobs are roads and public safety, and it's clear that Pete Buttigieg has failed on both fronts" said Kyle Hupfer, chairman of the Indiana Republican Party. "The question stands that if Buttigieg can't handle the basics, what makes him think he can handle being president?"
"The message from the people of South Bend is simple: Pete Buttigieg has failed."
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