He is currently Professor of Mass Communication and Director of the Media Research Program in the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Dr. Merrill is the founding director of the ASU Survey Research Center, founding director of the Public Opinion Research Center and served as Director of the Center for Urban Studies. He has conducted evaluations for cities throughout Arizona. Dr. Merrill conducted this survey for the City as a private consultant. Considering the extremely high growth rate occurring in the area, residents give the City very favorable evaluations.
Residents enjoy the small town, semi-rural atmosphere in Surprise.
They also feel the geographical location of the City makes access to other parts of the valley ideal. The City is near enough to the urban center of the Valley to take advantage of shopping, medical services, and recreational opportunities when needed while still keeping people out of most of the congestion in the urban area. The challenge for the City will be to maintain its charm and semi-rural character during a time of rapid growth. The services being provided by the City received unusually high marks. The Police and Fire Departments receive near perfect ratings.