Selective statistics

The BDN’s selective use of statistics in the “Consolidation Concerns” editorial of Oct. 30 would do credit to any political campaign spin doctor.

It cites a 37 percent increase in state funding without mentioning that at least 10 of those points are to comply with the 2004 funding referendum. It cites that 37 percent as a given while knowing that the state is talking about flat funding for next year.

The editorial also cites a projected 11 percent rise in the “CPI” for the 2006-2009 period without noting that you chose to use the CPI that does not include energy or food. You also assert that the penalty will be that the state withholds “administrative” funds without noting that those funds are primarily for special education.

The editorial also says that the state has encouraged voluntary cost-savings and offered financial incentives for consolidation. Actually the state has spent most of its time demanding expensive testing and curriculum changes and offered no incentives for consolidation that I am aware of.

The BDN can take any position it chooses, but it would make your case a bit more persuasive if you were more honest and balanced in your argument.

Ben Wootten

Blue Hill school board chairman