Input and maintaining a sense of community are also at the heart of the issue. Residents are more likely to oppose consolidation if they have less of a say in what happens locally; if costs for their community increase; or if their community loses its sense of identity. There is also a concern about consolidation if people think it will lead to job losses.

Please tell me if you think each of the following circumstances would make you more likely to support consolidation of your local government with a neighboring town or city, less likely to support consolidation, or would it not make a difference to your position. (*Question not asked of New York City residents.)