Awareness of both has increased sharply

TORONTO SEPTEMBER 27th, 2014 -

In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum PollTM among 557 Mississauga voters, just slightly more will vote for Steve Mahoney for mayor in the municipal election of October 27 (40%) than will vote for Bonnie Crombie (36%). One tenth will vote for Stephen King (9%) and one sixth are undecided between these three (15%). This stands in comparison to last month, when the two leading candidates were essentially tied (August 22 - Mahoney 27%, Crombie 26%) and the undecided were more numerous (47%). Mahoney's vote is characterized by the oldest (46%), males (47%), mid-income groups ($40K to $60K - 53%), the best educated (post grad - 46%%), past provincial PC voters (48%) and in the northeast quadrant of Mississauga, north of Eglinton and east of Hurontario (59%). Crombie draws her votes from the oldest (42%), low income groups ($20K to $40K - 44%) and the least educated (46%%). She does less well in the northeast quadrant of town than elsewhere (25%). King's vote comes from the youngest (14%), the wealthiest ($100k to $250K - 16%), South Asians (20% - caution: small base size), those who disapprove of Hazel McCallion's performance as mayor (30%) and in the southeast corner of the city (15%).





Awareness of Mahoney, Crombie up sharply; approval stable



Awareness for both Steve Mahoney and Bonnie Crombie has increased since last month and they are now known to more than three quarters (Mahoney - 52% to 76%, Crombie - 54% to 79%). Approval among those aware, however, is similar to last month (Mahoney - 72% to 70%, Crombie - 71% to 66%). Very few are aware of Stephen King (19%) and his approval is characteristic of about half (49%). Hazel McCallion's approval is also very high (78%).





Mahoney edges Crombie for most attributes

Steve Mahoney is seen as the candidate best able to handle the city budget, by an 8 point margin (Mahoney - 40%, Crombie - 32%). He is also seen to have the best vision for the city (38% to 32%, respectively), the best transit plan (35% to 30%, respectively) and as the best candidate for keeping taxes low (33% to 27%, respectively). On carrying on Hazel McCallion's legacy, the candidates are matched (34% each).





“These two candidates have been evenly matched since we started polling the Mississauga campaign. Now, however, one appears to be pulling away, and one appears to be faltering. With a month left in the race, it's too early to predict if this trend will continue, but Bonnie Crombie will have to up her game now," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.

