A recent report in BG Independent identified that around 15 percent of people in Wood County are experiencing such extreme poverty, they don’t know where their next meal will come from. I phoned the elected officials most responsible for promoting the quality of life of people in this region, Bob Latta, Theresa Gavarone, and Haraz Ghanbari, to discuss this devastating report. Unsurprisingly, given their track record of inaction on addressing the high rates of poverty in the area, their staff indicated they were unaware of the report. Furthermore, none of the elected officials made efforts to either learn more about the topic or put out statements with plans to help the many people struggling with hunger and food insecurity.
Here are a few uncomfortable truths that Latta, Gavarone, and Ghanbari may need to know. America has one of the highest rates of poverty among the world’s developed countries (i.e., the 40 or so post-colonial superpowers with the most wealth). We also have the highest rate of income inequality among those countries, a disparity so extreme, it is on par with many developing countries that recently experienced colonialism. America also has an exceptionally limited number of policies that expand access to economic stability, healthcare, and equal education for all of our people.
Nevertheless, the aforementioned lawmakers, who at the heart of the matter represent the wealthy business interests that have dominated Ohio politics for decades, appear to have no concern for those among us who are most in need, let alone ideas to help them. This is revealed through what they say, what they do, and most glaringly, what they ignore. There are a lot of people out there hurting right now, yet our elected officials really just don’t seem to care.
Jordan Wilfong
Bowling Green
