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Committee forming to assist with 2010 Census |
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Written by Brian McCormack
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Friday, 25 September 2009 |
An informal luncheon was held on Thursday at which Nolan County leaders announced the formation of a Complete Count Committee. The committee will aid in collecting information for the 2010 Census.
The US Census Bureau began collecting population information in 1790, under then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. 2010 marks the year of the 22nd census, which takes place every 10 years.
Chairman of the committee, and executive director of the Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development (SEED), Ken Becker, encourages the public to participate in this year's census, "It is important to have an accurate count," he said. "State and federal funds are often based on population."
Becker cites school districts, hospital districts, emergency services, and political representation as some of the important funding decisions that are often based on population levels.
But there are other reasons to be a part of the census as well Becker said, "We ought to be proud to be counted as an American."
According to Gus Calderon, who spoke at the luncheon on behalf of the US Census Bureau, any information collected during the count is protected by law and will remain strictly confidential. He also explained that the forms have been considerably shortened, and now only contain 10 questions, making it easier on the public when filling them out.
The US Census Bureau will be mailing out forms to all physical addresses beginning March 1. Upon receiving the forms, you can fill them out, and mail them back to the agency.
May 1 will mark the first day of door-to-door census taking, and will focus on population groups that are difficult to count and addresses who have not returned a completed questionnaire. To avoid meeting a door-to-door census worker, Calderon said, just return the form before May 1.
Becker is currently recruiting more committee members to help organize the count and promote the census before it officially begins. If you would like more information on the committee, call Becker at (325) 235-0555. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 September 2009 )
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