Editor's note: Hutch Post did not ask for comment from the Community Foundation prior to the publication of Commissioner Parks comments. Their comment has now been added to the story.
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioner Randy Parks took issue with the structure of the Love Where You Live survey that county residents are being asked to fill out by the Hutchinson Community Foundation.
"There are a couple of sections that require five answers before you can proceed," Parks said in an email to Hutch Post. "However, I only wanted to answer maybe two on each. We need more space to write the answers each person wants and not so many pre-written answers. That's too leading."
He said there were other questions he didn't care for, but didn't specify.
"I feel this could change the real nature of a survey to a false outcome," Parks said. "Additionally, when I was visiting with others in the community, they felt the same way I did."
This is why Parks would suggest that those who don't like the structure online ask for a paper copy.
"I know a lot of people that requested paper so they could write the things they feel were important," Parks said.
The link to both the online version and a paper version you can print out is here.
Hutchinson Community Foundation responded in an email to Hutch Post on Wednesday.
“The survey was not developed by Hutchinson Community Foundation staff. Rather, Hutch CF engaged a national firm, Innovation Economy Partners, that specializes in community data collection and survey implementation to design the survey” said Wendy Skellenger, Hutchinson Community Foundation communications officer, “so it’s IEP’s experience and expertise that has informed how the questions are structured. The assessment aims to strike a balance between gathering solid quantitative data and insightful qualitative data. We know people are paying attention to many things, and the survey offers respondents the opportunity to rate those areas. And because we know the survey may not cover all the areas that a person feels are important, the questionnaire provides space for respondents to expand on their thoughts. IEP will create reports from the surveys for communities to use in whatever way makes the most sense for them and hopefully as a starting point from which to further focus on agreed priorities.
“The Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative is a three-year experience that will include resident engagement in the fall, and as we refine this process for years two and three, we are always open to feedback and welcome a conversation to discuss questions and concerns in depth by calling us at 620-663-5293.”
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