Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Misleading?

Don't listen to a thing I am going to tell you, call the source: Hennepin County Taxpayer Services @ (612) 596-9124 and ask them:

1. Was this graph created for the purpose it is being used for?

2. Is the manner in which it is being used misleading?

3. Is the data statistically relevant to the case being made?

There are so many things wrong about the use of this data piece for its intended purpose, my list will be a work in progress so check back often.  Again, please contact HCTS at the number above and get their impartial take as they created the document.  Otherwise, consider:

1. The statistical integrity of Westonka having 3478 homes assessed above $300k, while Brooklyn Center district has..........8.

2. Comparing the Westonka district to an enormous, sprawling school district like Elk River, which is located in a different county.

3. Here's a shocker: Hennepin County Taxpayer Services now says they didn't even prepare the graph as indicated by the district and Yes Westonka--"The attached graph was not "prepared by the Hennepin County Taxpayer Services" as indicated under the title.  While the data supporting the graph may have been provided by our office, it is inappropriate to attribute the graph to Hennepin County Taxpayer Services."

Yes Westonka's site and brochure:

http://yeswestonka.com/taxes/
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    I'm not sure I understand the issue. The data to create this graph came from Hennepin County Taxpayer Services, but since someone else took their data and put it into Excel to create this graph - it's then misleading? Same data right? Excel is a pretty reliable tool right?

    I don't think there are any school districts representative of Westonka's unique attributes, so in that sense I agree that it's difficult to compare. But is doing no comparison at all an option? I'd rather know where we stand in comparison, than not compare because there's no other school district exactly like Westonka.

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  2. Don MaileyOctober 22, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    So if I tell you I am a licensed CPA and I am not, it's ok as long as you don't get audited? You can't cite the county as the author when they are not. That is misleading! If it were such a small issue, why did the county demand the practice be stopped? Why did the district spring for printing new brochures? Why did The Laker post a retraction on their website?

    Thanks for the post, 11:20!

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