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What if something you could do today could affect you, your family and your neighbors for the next 10 years? Would you do it? There is something that you can do and I am asking you to do it: It’s the U.S. Census.
Every 10 years, we count how many people live in our community, and believe me, being counted counts. Those numbers affect how we do business and how others do business with us.
At its core, the census is a determining factor of our democracy. The numbers help determine how congressional districts are drawn, how much money the town and your neighbors may receive from the federal government and how town workers may or may not modify their projects to better serve you.
One fear many have — especially our Hispanic population — is that this information will be used against them. I assure you, the information is private. Census workers take an oath for life to protect the information they gather. If they violate that oath, it could mean up to five years in prison and a quarter-of-a-million dollar fine.
Starting in the mid-April, census workers will span out in your neighborhoods and start knocking on doors to count the uncounted. Make it easy on yourself and just fill it out and plop it back in the mail. You could even have fun in the 15 minutes it takes you to do it.
Andy Rooney of “60 Minutes” did a humorous piece on the census in late February about how it will cause countless rifts in American marriages. In the past, the census asked the “Head of the Household” to fill in information about his or herself. Now, the U.S. Census has replaced that category with “Person #1.” There’s a category for “Person #2” as well. Rooney said it’s in the best interest of all husbands out there to just take the “Personal #2” slot and save a good argument for another debate.
Seriously, though, this little task will affect the town for the next 10 years. The statistics that are compiled after the census is complete helps organizations and governments know where social services are needed. It also helps research markets, and locating pools of workers for specific jobs.
In 2000, on average, about 60 percent of the residents of Bluffton were counted. That means the town was docked 40 percent in funds for various infrastructure projects.
The numbers help us and others who serve you prepare the accurate amount of classrooms needed, streets and other public works projects.
I can’t stress it enough: Please fill out the form and tell your neighbors to do the same. Believe it or not, you can’t fill it out online. The U.S. Census is still experimenting with electronic forms and how to make it easier on everyone. But this year, it’s still the old-fashioned way. Use a pen and plop in the mail.
I thank you for this small gesture for the future of our town and our neighbors.
