because I am an educator and a statistician people respect my
views, but you would have to ask them.
Jeff Witmer

What advice would you offer a fellow statistician who is
Profession: Professor of mathematics and acting dean of arts
considering running for office? Don’t run if you have a hid-
and sciences until July 1, 2008, at Oberlin College
den agenda. Don’t run if you can’t take criticism. Don’t run if you
want to micromanage the system. Your job is to hire competent
Area of Science: Statistics! Bayesian
administrators to run the district, to evaluate the superintendent
decision theory and statistics educa-
and treasurer, and to keep the district fiscally sound. Do run if
tion, to be more specific.
you have a genuine interest in education. Your background in
decisionmaking will serve you well.
Public Office: Member, Board of
Education of the Oberlin, Ohio,
City School District
James L.
How long have you been part of
Rosenberger
the board of education? I served
for eight years (1996–2003, includ-
ing board president in 2000 and
Profession: Statistician (professor 2001).
of statistics, Penn State University)
Why did you want to be part of
Witmer
Area of Science: Statistical science the board of education? I hoped
to improve the functioning of the
Public Office: Member, Borough board and, in so doing, to help students.
Council, State College, Pennsylvania
How did you campaign? I did almost no campaigning. A few
How long have you been a mem- friends wrote letters to the local newspaper on my behalf.
ber of the Borough Council? Five
Rosenberger
months. I took office in January 2008. What is the hardest part of your political life? The hardest
thing for me was probably dealing with parents who were disap-
Why did you want to be a part of the council? I wanted to offer pointed or angry when the board made an unpopular decision.
my experience to maintain and improve our community, which I
have lived in for 31 years. How does your statistical training affect your political
decisions? I am accustomed to working with clients from varying
How did you campaign? I attended a few neighborhood teas, fields, so I appreciate how different people see things differently.
handed out cards stating my priorities and values, emailed a letter
to several lists of neighborhood associations, participated in TV Do you believe you get more or less respect because of
and newspaper interviews, and ran about four ads in the newspa- your science background? More, I hope!
per the week before the election.
What advice would you offer a fellow statistician who is
What is the hardest part of your political life? Keeping up with considering running for office? Be honest. Be fair. Even if
the many reports and documents one needs to read to understand unreasonable.
the background of the issues that come before us for a vote.
For information about the workshop, visit http://elections.sefora.
How does your statistical training affect your political deci- org. If you have suggestions for future workshops on science poli-
sions? My background is very helpful for absorbing and under- cy issues, contact Steve Pierson, ASA director of science policy, at
standing the flood of data, both financial and survey, that is avail- pierson@amstat.org. n
able on every issue.
Do you believe you get more or less respect because of your
science background? I find my background is highly respected.
What advice would you offer a fellow statistician who is
considering running for office? I think we as a profession
should take more opportunities to offer our skills and expertise
for the good of our communities and society. Talk to your local
political committees and see where they think you could be most
helpful. I think you would be welcomed to the table.
6 AMSTAT NEWS JULY 2008
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