Response to Oversight and Governance in Warren County

Everyone knows the adage “Words have consequences,” but here’s something most folks may not understand: “Numbers (specifically statistics) have consequences” as well.  If there is one thing I have a problem with, it is when someone attempts to discredit others with statistics without fully explaining where they come from (sourcing) and HOW they were derived (collected – methodology of collection).  These pieces of information are JUST AS, if not MORE, important than the numbers themselves.

The Royal Examiner recently published an article by Mr. Matthew S. Myers, who uses some Virginia State government and U.S. Census Bureau numbers in an attempt to discredit the current Warren County Supervisors’ efforts to provide oversight and governance to Samuels Library, which is 70% funded by Warren County residents.  Mr. Myers argues that the Supervisors should be more worried about the other challenges in the county, specifically Poverty, Unemployment, and Healthcare.  Mr. Myers is correct in noting that these are indeed important issues.  However, his use of statistics is more than a bit misleading.

First of all, I am not sure of Myers’ sourcing because I used the same resources and then a couple of others and found completely different numbers. Regarding the poverty issue, according to a 2023 US Census Bureau report, Warren County’s poverty rate was only 9.3%, which is actually lower than the State’s overall number of 10.2%. As for Mr. Myers’ unemployment numbers, I’m not sure where his numbers came from, but the US Department of Labor has Warren County’s 2023 unemployment rate at 2.7%. These numbers are a big difference from what Mr. Myers lists in his article (about 40% less!); why is this? Finally, as for Mr. Myers’ health care numbers, the Virginia Health Care Foundation’s 2023 survey showed that only 9% of Warren County residents aged 19-64 carried no health care. Again, while the difference here is less, it’s still significant. And as we know regarding the health care issue, there could be many reasons for this. For example, younger folks may have decided health care was too expensive, etc. (I agree this is an issue; I’m just not sure it is one Warren County Supervisors can deal with; this is a major national issue). As you can see Warren County’s numbers on these important issues are on par with the State’s numbers regarding these issues. Still, Mr. Myers does not seem to have any concern regarding the state’s overall oversight and governance.

Mr. Myers, like every Warren County resident, has a right to question our elected officials, and I spent 40 years as a US Marine and CIA officer fighting for those rights.  However, what Mr. Myers nor anyone, for that matter, doesn’t have a right to do is attempt to discredit the actions of our elected officials using misleading and manipulation of information.  Haven’t we had enough of that in this county? Warren County residents expect oversight and transparency of all publicly funded programs, and this includes the Samuels Library.

Dean B. Jaques III
Warren County

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the letters published on this page are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Royal Examiner’s editorial team, its affiliates, or advertisers. The Royal Examiner does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any statements made by the authors. The Royal Examiner has not independently verified the statements and claims presented in the letters. Readers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and critical thinking skills when evaluating the content. Any reliance on the information in the letters is at the reader’s own risk.

While the Royal Examiner makes every effort to publish diverse opinions, it does not guarantee the publication of all received letters. The Royal Examiner reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length, and adherence to editorial guidelines. Moreover, the Royal Examiner does not assume any liability for any loss or damage incurred by readers due to the content of the letters or any subsequent actions based on these opinions.

In submitting a letter to the editor, authors grant the newspaper the right to publish, edit, reproduce, or distribute the content in print, online, or in any other form.

We value the engagement of our readers and encourage open and constructive discussions on various topics. However, the Royal Examiner retains the right to reject any letter that contains offensive language, personal attacks, or violates any legal regulations. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community of readers and contributors, and we look forward to receiving your diverse perspectives on matters of interest and importance.