Is it Really Common Sense?

Years ago, when the Wisconsin Tourism industry was arguing to establish a Labor Day School Start, the lobbyist for the School Administrators attempted (in a public hearing, no less) to assert that ending the public school year in late May and starting in mid-August was better for students because it was hotter in June and cooler in August.

I remember looking at my team with a clear WTF look on my face. Our position had been exactly the opposite…that August temperatures were often sweltering, even here in Wisconsin. And then, it dawned on us. He was using the average daily temperature to make his case; we were using the average daily high temperature to make ours. You see, June nights are warmer than August nights here and he was betting the legislators in that hearing room wouldn’t be smart enough to know the difference. However, the only number that mattered when it came to students (and the cost of running A/C for the schools) was the high temperature.

I thought of that moment over this past weekend when I saw an article that chronicled an effort in Michigan to redefine what Tourism Assessment revenues can be used for (not unlike recent legislation in Colorado). One of their arguments is that 911 calls spike in the summer when tourist flood cities like Traverse City…and residents shouldn’t have to bear that cost.

So, you have two data points: More tourists and more 911 calls. Their strategy is to link the two, blame tourists (who are often more respectful of a destination than second homers) and shift public policy that has been highly successful for Michigan’s economy for decades.

But, here’s the thing. Unless you can demonstrate that 911 calls are disproportionately visitor-related, my response is that a third reality is at play. It’s too cold during Michigan’s winters for most people to start shit that requires police or emergency services.

My guess, not having seen the data (and that is where the truth lies), is that it’s warm weather (and not tourists) that causes 911 calls to go up.

But, that’s just me…