October Serafin Power Poll: Windy City Winds of Change

Mayor Johnson’s School Board Shake-Up: A Failing Grade from Power Pollers

As the leaves change color in Chicago, it seems Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent moves to reshape the Chicago Board of Education aren’t winning him any popularity contests. A whopping 73% of our Power Pollers strongly disapprove and 16% disapprove of the Mayor’s actions to increase his influence over the board. 8% were neutral and only about 2% approve, which is about as rare as finding a parking spot during a Cubs game.

When it comes to the new hybrid school board model, our pollers are even less optimistic. Nearly 80% don’t believe the board will make significant improvements to the city’s public education system. 19% were unsure and only about 1% think they’ll make the grade – talk about a tough crowd!

Back to the Office: Commuters Rejoice, Sweatpants Weep

It looks like the days of Zoom meetings in pajama bottoms might be numbered. With big companies like Amazon and Apple calling workers back to the office, 67% of our pollers support the shift away from remote work (28% strongly support and 39% support). Maybe they just miss the thrill of racing to catch the L or the camaraderie of complaining about traffic on the Kennedy. On the other hand, 11% oppose, 7% strongly oppose, and 14% are neutral.

Election Season: It’s the Economy, Stupid

As we gear up for another presidential election (because who doesn’t love a good political rollercoaster?), our pollers predict the economy will be the top issue on voters’ minds. Immigration came in second, followed by crime, abortion, foreign affairs, and climate change. Let’s hope the candidates are ready to talk dollars and cents – preferably without causing us to lose ours.

Bear Down… to the Playoffs?

After their jolly good show in London, the Bears are sitting pretty with a 4-2 record. But are Chicagoans ready to break out the “Super Bowl Shuffle”? Not quite. While 44% of our pollers are confident or very confident in the team’s playoff chances, about 27% aren’t buying their tickets to Las Vegas just yet, and 28% are neutral.

Conclusion: Change is in the Air

As we head into the final months of 2024, it’s clear that change is the only constant in the Windy City. Whether it’s education reform, work culture shifts, or the rollercoaster that is Bears fandom, Chicagoans are facing it all with their trademark blend of skepticism, hope, and humor.

One thing’s for sure – no matter what changes come our way, we’ll always have our deep dish, our lakefront views, and our ability to complain about the weather. Stay tuned for next month’s poll, where we’ll no doubt find new and exciting things to debate over an Italian beef sandwich!