By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM -- Political science students at SUNY Potsdam have mailed out an invitation to 1,000 random Potsdam residents to take an online opinion poll.

“The survey covers a range of important topics, including local issues, quality of life concerns, and civic engagement,” said Associate Professor of Politics Rob Hinckley, who has had his students conduct polls for the community in the past.

Responses are due by Monday, May 1.

Hinckley said the scope is similar to the past quality of life surveys, focusing on perceptions of job opportunities in the region, reason for living inside a village or in the town outside, property taxes, municipal services, volunteerism, and political engagement.

"We also added some new 'hot topics' such as whether or not lower Market Street should be made into a pedestrian zone,” he said.

“For those items that are carried over from two years ago, we hope to examine change over time.”

The results will be reported in North Country This Week and on NorthCountryNow.com when they are compiled.

He said if anyone has misplaced their invitation letter they can call him at 315-267-2563 or contact him by email at hincklra@potsdam.edu.

Anyone who received a letter but does not have access the internet may call him at that number to arrange a time for a student to help him or her complete the survey over the phone.