WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics

[Moderator]

The following data set (12 NC Counties) is now ready for comparative analysis. The WTP Research Committee is looking for individuals who wish to participate in conducting this study. Additional demographic data to support development of variabe rates and trends is available. Persons interested in participating in this study should contact WtpRe...@aol.com for further information.

VITAL STATISTICS

Resident Live Births 1970-2005 (Variable 102)

Resident Deaths 1970-2005 (Variable 103)

Infant Deaths 1970-2005 (Variable 136)

Pregnancies for Females of All Ages 1980-2005 (Variable 501)

Pregnancies for Females 15-19 1980-2005 (Variable 502)

Reported Abortions 1980-2005 (Variable 503)

Nongeriatric Deaths 1980-2005 (Variable 504)

Deaths by Injury or Violence 1980-2005 (Variable 506)

Marriages 1980-2005 (Variable 507)

Divorces 1980-2005 (Variable 508)

Low-Weight Births Under 2500 Grams 1980-2005 (Variable 523)

[Moderator]

A BRIEF EDITORIAL :-)

A question was asked: "Why is this information important to a study of
local government?" There are several reasons, IOHO... our study effort
is about 2 separate elements: local government, and the community that
supports it. In and of itself, this data set will provide some
valuable information about the community, and can be trended into the
future. When we begin to study "government", we can then ask (1) "How
can local government make an impact on these trends?"; and (2) "Is
local government properly (most efficiently) organized to make a
positive impact?"

For many community data sets, an additional question will be "Does (or
should) local government have ANY role in making an impact?" For some
sets, the appropriate response will be NO. For this particular set, it
IS appropriate for government to play a role, because the impact of
"negative trends" here costs "we the taxpayers" REAL DOLLAR$, both
directly (DSS and public safety services) and indirectly (insurance
rates).

Make no mistake, the community is a complex entity, with many
variables interacting on others to create trends. An individual data
set may seem of little importance in the short run, but as more are
developed, the interactions (and effects) will become plainer to see
and understand.

The question was a good one. We hope this response is equal to the
task. Regards...

On Nov 23, 9:35 am, Moderator <wtp.cc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> The following data set (12 NC Counties) is now ready for comparative
> analysis. The WTP Research Committee is looking for individuals who wish to
> participate in conducting this study. Additional demographic data to support
> development of variabe rates and trends is available. Persons interested in

> participating in this study should contact WtpResea...@aol.com for further
> information.
>
> *VITAL STATISTICS*

[Theodore A debose]

I do not believe that this type of information has anything to do wit the goverment. This information is for socilogy.

----- Original Message -----
From: Moderator <wtp....@gmail.com>
To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:35:30 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [WTP-Forum: 44] WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics

The following data set (12 NC Counties) is now ready for comparative
analysis. The WTP Research Committee is looking for individuals who wish to
participate in conducting this study. Additional demographic data to support
development of variabe rates and trends is available. Persons interested in
participating in this study should contact WtpRe...@aol.com for further
information.

*VITAL STATISTICS*

[Theodore A debose]

I read all of this, and I do not believe this has anything with the governing of people. The goverment has nothing to do with who get married,or divorce, or how many childern are born, The goverments job is to protect the rights of citizens,make sure that their is equal oppertunity under the law.

[Jerry Dietzen]

The numbers in parenthesis below look suspicious.  The numbers don't appear to be correct counts rather, they may be related to a line number or question number on a report or questionnaire.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: wtp-...@googlegroups.com [mailto:wtp-...@googlegroups.com]On Behalf Of Moderator
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 9:36 AM
To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [WTP-Forum: 44] WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics

[Moderator]

The "vital statistics" list contains 11 study variables, including (1)
descriptors; (2) years for which for which data is available; and (3)
the NC LINC "variable number". The WTP "community self-study" project
will be using data from 1990 forward, for both the "local government
benchmark", and the community benchmark".

FYI, the "raw numbers" for the vital statistics have been sent to the
research committee, and an ad hoc team is beginning to form. Plenty of
opportunities to help out here...

On Nov 26, 8:04 am, "Jerry Dietzen" <GDiet...@ci.fay.nc.us> wrote:
> The numbers in parenthesis below look suspicious. The numbers don't appear to be correct counts rather, they may be related to a line number or question number on a report or questionnaire.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: wtp-...@googlegroups.com [mailto:wtp-...@googlegroups.com]On Behalf Of Moderator
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 9:36 AM
> To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: [WTP-Forum: 44] WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics
>

> The following data set (12 NC Counties) is now ready for comparative analysis. The WTP Research Committee is looking for individuals who wish to participate in conducting this study. Additional demographic data to support development of variabe rates and trends is available. Persons interested in participating in this study should contact WtpResea...@aol.com for further information.

>
> VITAL STATISTICS
>
> Resident Live Births 1970-2005 (Variable 102)
> Resident Deaths 1970-2005 (Variable 103)
> Infant Deaths 1970-2005 (Variable 136)
> Pregnancies for Females of All Ages 1980-2005 (Variable 501)
> Pregnancies for Females 15-19 1980-2005 (Variable 502)
> Reported Abortions 1980-2005 (Variable 503)
> Nongeriatric Deaths 1980-2005 (Variable 504)
> Deaths by Injury or Violence 1980-2005 (Variable 506)
> Marriages 1980-2005 (Variable 507)
> Divorces 1980-2005 (Variable 508)

> Low-Weight Births Under 2500 Grams 1980-2005 (Variable 523)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Moderator]

Good Morning! ... and thank you for your comments. Some further
explanation might be appropriate.

WTP's "community self-study" charter has two components: studying (1)
local government (including finances) and (2) the communities it
represents (and who pay for government services.) The process and
procedures are outlined in the presentations made in September and
October. These may be downloaded from the FILES area. We welcome your
comments, especially from citizens who might have been unable to
attend.

The "vital statistics" data set can and does apply to both parts of
"community self-study". It is important to note that, for example,
many divorcing women, especially with children) immediately fall below
the "poverty line", and become recipients of government assistance.
Understanding trends in divorce is a planning tool. The same applies
to "low birth weight babies", many of whom require extensive and
expensive medical intervention for extended periods. Such expense is
often not covered by health insurance. "Deaths by Injury or Violence"
is also a statistic that tends to consume tax dollar$ in the area of
public safety. WTP feels it is appropriate to study the "community" in
general, especially anything that can - trending the wrong way -
require additional taxpayer support.

"Fixing" some of the issues raised is not necessarily a government
responsibility, although there are different philosophical views about
that, more appropriate venues are available for that. However, it
would seem quite appropriate to "understand" what is happening in many
different subject areas. We leave the "why" and the "fix" to others.
Regards...


On Nov 25, 9:44 am, Theodore A debose <papasa...@embarqmail.com>
wrote:

> I read all of this, and I do not believe this has anything with the governing of people. The goverment has nothing to do with who get married,or divorce, or how many childern are born, The goverments job is to protect the rights of citizens, make sure that there is equal oppertunity under the law.

>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Theodore A debose <papasa...@embarqmail.com>
> To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com
> Sent: Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:34:12 -0500 (EST)
> Subject: [WTP-Forum: 46] Re: WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics
>
> I do not believe that this type of information has anything to do wit the goverment. This information is for socilogy.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Moderator <wtp.cc...@gmail.com>
> To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com
> Sent: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 09:35:30 -0500 (EST)
> Subject: [WTP-Forum: 44] WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics
>
> The following data set (12 NC Counties) is now ready for comparative
> analysis. The WTP Research Committee is looking for individuals who wish to
> participate in conducting this study. Additional demographic data to support
> development of variabe rates and trends is available. Persons interested in

> participating in this study should contact WtpResea...@aol.com for further

> information.
>
> *VITAL STATISTICS*
> Resident Live Births 1970-2005 (Variable 102)
> Resident Deaths 1970-2005 (Variable 103)
> Infant Deaths 1970-2005 (Variable 136)
> Pregnancies for Females of All Ages 1980-2005 (Variable 501)
> Pregnancies for Females 15-19 1980-2005 (Variable 502)
> Reported Abortions 1980-2005 (Variable 503)
> Nongeriatric Deaths 1980-2005 (Variable 504)
> Deaths by Injury or Violence 1980-2005 (Variable 506)
> Marriages 1980-2005 (Variable 507)
> Divorces 1980-2005 (Variable 508)

[Theodore A debose]

I will help in this study.

[AlexFW...@aol.com]

Ted,

 

We'll hook you right up... Bob White is also on the team... you will be notified by the research committee.

 

Regards and thanks... [Wojo]

 

In a message dated 11/26/2007 10:10:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, papa...@embarqmail.com writes:

I will help in this study.

 

---

Check out AOL Money & Finance's list of the hottest products and top money wasters of 2007.

[Oldblood]

I am ready to get started

Bob

--- On Mon 11/26, < AlexFW...@aol.com > wrote:

From: [mailto: AlexFW...@aol.com]

To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com

Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:13:37 EST

Subject: [WTP-Forum: 52] Re: WTP Research Project: Vital Statistics

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">

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<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII">

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<DIV>

<DIV>Ted,</DIV>

<DIV> </DIV>

<DIV>We'll hook you right up... Bob White is also on the team... you will be

notified by the research committee.</DIV>

<DIV> </DIV>

<DIV>Regards and thanks... [Wojo]</DIV>

<DIV> </DIV>

<DIV>In a message dated 11/26/2007 10:10:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

papa...@embarqmail.com writes:</DIV>

<BLOCKQUOTE

style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid"><FONT

style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>I will

help in this study.</FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>

<DIV></DIV>

<DIV> </DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Check out AOL Money & Finance's list of the <A title="http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001" href="http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001" target="_blank">hottest products</A> and <A title="http://money.aol.com/top5/general/ways-you-are-wasting-money?NCID=aoltop00030000000002" href="http://money.aol.com/top5/general/ways-you-are-wasting-money?NCID=aoltop00030000000002" target="_blank">top money wasters</A> of 2007.</FONT></DIV><br>

</BODY></HTML>

<br>

<p>

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[Theodore A debose]

What do I need to do?

[AlexFW...@aol.com]

You are "in" to the Research Committee group site. The latest version of the data files were uploaded this morning. Bob will get with us on "next steps"... Regards... [Wojo]

 

In a message dated 11/26/2007 10:41:23 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, papa...@embarqmail.com writes:

What do I need to do?

[Jwri...@aol.com]

Wojo,

 Help me understand something please. Why is a critical analysis of these data critical to our assessment of government formatting??  w

[Wojo]

Wayne, I have to refer you to the earlier comments on this topic. But
a few added thoughts...

"Community self-study" = "Community Benchmark" + "Local Government
Benchmark"

Local government (and government costs) reflect the community it
represents and supports with services. It seems to me that one cannot
understand local government without understanding the underlying
factors in the community. The "vital statistics" data set is just a
small piece of the action. ALL of the data variables in "vital
statistics" provide a piece of the "community benchmark". MANY of the
variables directly affect government "costs" (and taxpayer dollar$) in
social services, and citizen cost$ in insurance rates.

Understanding the interrelationships, IMHO, is key to developing an
appreciation of "who and what we are" as a community, and why
government (as is currently structured) is or is not meeting the needs
of the community. Until we have a better handle on the "community", we
will never be able to understand whether a change in government
organization is appropriate or needed. Just my thoughts...

Hope this helps... Regards, [Wojo]

On Nov 27, 9:43 pm, Jwrigg...@aol.com wrote:
> Wojo,
> Help me understand something please. Why is a critical analysis of these
> data critical to our assessment of government formatting?? w
>

> **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
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[Daryl Cobranchi]

And I'd add that the Voice of the Customer (in 6 Sigma parlance) is the
other crucial piece of information. The customer, here, is all of us:
Hope Millers. Eastoverlords. Fayettevillains, county taxpayers. :-)
Everybody. Having that VoC data is going to allow us to analyze what
the perceived problems are. Until we get those data, we're really stuck
at Ground Zero. That means that the community survey needs to be a
priority over the coming months. That will take money. Which means
donations and grants. Which means 501(c)(3) registration. Which means
lawyers and more money and more donations.

And so it goes.

Daryl

[Pat]

I'm trying to understand that too.  Pat

[Jwri...@aol.com]

Wojo,

 I read the previous stuff....and I "get it".

But the bottom line strategy question that I am asking is this: what is theoretically "perfect" process- vs- what is most effective process in the context of our available resources.

 I think DC is on the money....no pun intended. We will need donations, professional researches, etc. if we want to proceed down the perfect path.

 You have outlined a very ambitious program. It is spectacular, but in my view, we need to give the broad base of folks who have an interest in the concept of efficient government a short term reason to be engaged(to care about what we are doing). Otherwise, I think general interest in mounds of data will wane.....(again, no pun intended).

 I could be dead wrong......

 I guess we'll know if lots of people instinctively flock to the research.................  w

[Ron Harrison]

Wojo,

 

  We've had basically the same conversation from very early on so you know I am in full agreement with what is being said here.  The best data and research in the world will not substitute a passion of the people behind a movement.  We need to very quickly define things in a way that folks can get passionately involved.

----- Original Message -----

From: Jwri...@aol.com

To: wtp-...@googlegroups.com