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OBJECTIVES <br /> Formal citizen input is of growing significance in city <br /> management. 'While elected officials are usually attuned to the <br /> opinions of constituents, there is the potential hazard of the <br /> "squeaking wheel" phenomena--those who squeak loudest may not be <br /> representative, but they often -have the most influence. For this <br /> reason, city governments are turning increasingly to systematic <br /> survey research. <br /> The most obvious advantage of properly conducted survey research <br /> is that results can be projected to the population as a whole. <br /> However, the rp oper conduct of survey research is critical. • <br /> Passing out questionnaires in an ad hoc fashion does not <br /> constitute proper research. As statisticians have proven over <br /> many years of work, the key to projectable survey research is <br /> sampling control. The people to be surveyed must be drawn by <br /> random methods, and intensive efforts must be made to secure <br /> their cooperation and candid response. <br /> Is This Survey Really Necessary? <br /> Before citizens ' tax dollars are committed to a community survey, <br /> the city council must be satisfied that the information . to be <br /> gathered will ,be more than just "interesting"--it must provide <br /> ditection for the allocation. .of., .resources. The central mission <br /> of city government is to provide. basic services in an equitable <br /> and cost-effective manner. Whatever else is provided, municipal <br /> ( 1 ) <br />