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A majority of pollsters back ski expansion Staff reports Heavily influenced by e-mail voting campaigns, this week's Internet poll elicited the second highest number of responses ever. At week's end, 1,272 people logged on to answer the question, "Do you support the US Forest Service's 'preferred alternative' for the expansion of the Mount Ashland Ski Area?" The results showed a strong polarization between those for and against the proposal. A modest majority of Internet voters, 664 people or 52 percent, indicated they want to move forward quickly with the plan to expand. Opposition was strong however, as 531 people or 42 percent picked, "No, the environmental impact is too great," and 41 people or 3 percent chose, "No, too financially risky." Taken together, those against the expansion made up about 43 percent of Internet voters. A small minority did not come down firmly on either side of the debate, with 19 people or about 1 percent saying they might support the proposal "if there can be greater community consensus," and 17 people or 1 percent believing "More discussion is needed." In February 20002 more than 1,300 people answered the question, "Do you support a U.S.-led war against Iraq?" and 1,053 weighed in on another poll question which asked, "Who is the biggest threat to U.S. security?" A 2001 poll on the preferred size of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument saw nearly 900 votes. This week's poll question, posted Saturday, is: "What should be done about the rope swing at the Granite Street reservoir?" The Tidings weekly online poll is an unscientific measurement of public opinion and only reflects the views of those who choose to participate. Its sole purpose is to provide greater public input on a variety of issues. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -