Poll: Catching Bad Guys and Fixing Schools More Important Than Downtown Ballpark

Of the 206 voters surveyed within the city's limits, just 12% say the ballpark should be a top city priority. This project has been hammered by political corruption scandal and hamstrung by concerns over the energy crisis and fears of an impending recession.

Among city voters, construction of a new international airport to replace Lindbergh Field barely mustered 15% of respondents who say it should be a high priority.

Christian Collet of Pacific Opinions says the poll reflects a growing movement toward "real-life" types of issues typical of approaching rough economic times. He says that voters consider a ballpark a luxury item, while schools and fighting crime are necessities.