Exploring the stories behind the numbers

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt
Published: April 19, 2008

Cliff Adelman, researcher for the Institute for Higher Education Policy, distinguished himself by putting faces to stats. He didn’t just report data. He told the stories behind the numbers.

Prince William County is cutting programs to fund an overpriced, conflict-wreaking immigration resolution to purge our communities of people who committed a civil offense. 

It’s time we look at the real costs.  It’s time we look at what the budget cuts and tax increases could really mean.

Scenarios:

Jane’s three children are in their third floor bedrooms as a fire rages.  The fire department calls in reinforcements from Fauquier County as the fire spreads to neighboring homes built too close together.
Will the firefighters reach Jane’s children in time?

John only gets to see his kids on Sundays. He wants to take them to the library. He can’t because it’s closed.

Peter’s wife is perpetually exhausted. Their daughter is developmentally delayed.  Peter calls ARC.  But ARC has had program cuts.  There is a waiting list for respite care.

Maria, a PWC law enforcement officer, is questioned about alleged racial profiling. She is put on probation until the investigation is completed.

School Principal Mary calls security to break up a fight. The fight started when one student screamed, “Illegal!  Go home and learn English!”

Paul has a mortgage on a small, older home, two moderate car payments and two kids in college. His budget is so tight, he worries about the tax increase. What else can he cut from his household expenses?

It’s time we make these numbers real. 

Supervisors, step back from your pulpits and look at the people who live in this county. Then make a decision that benefits us all.

KATHERINE MERCURIO GOTTHARDT

Bristow