It is time for all of us to contribute to our history by being counted in the U.S. Census 2010. This count of our population is mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U. S. Constitution. I know that taxpayers have voiced their concerns over government mandates, but this mandate reflects a new portrait of America, showing us how our country has changed in the past 10 years and help determine what our communities need for the next 10 years. Everyone of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens must be counted. Forms will be available in many languages, large print, and Braille. Questionnaire Assistance Centers are available for those requiring assistance in reading and understanding the census form.

 

April 1, 2010, is Census Day, the official day of the population count. However, the forms will be sent via postal mail this next week. Responses to the census form should include everyone who will be living at that address on April 1. The form may be completed as soon as it arrives in the mail, so one need not wait until April 1.

 

The form includes 10 questions about person #1 living at the address. For each additional person living at the same address there are only 7 questions. I stress that this information is strictly confidential! By law the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the census data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for five years.

 

Why is this count so important to Irondequoit? The 2010 Census will determine our representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, it is critical that we have a representative close to us to voice our opinions on the national level. Equally important, Irondequoit will receive more federal funding if our population remains above 50,000 people. In addition, part of the sales tax formula for Irondequoit is based upon the number of people living in our town as determined by the Census.

 

More so than any time in the history of Irondequoit, this census will determine our immediate future. As soon as the form arrives in the mail, please complete it and return the form immediately. If forms are not returned for specific addresses, census takers will visit residences for which the form was not returned by mail. Help save money by completing the form and returning it to the U.S. Census Bureau. Also be warned that census takers will never ask for social security numbers or bank account information. Report any suspicious people immediately to the Irondequoit Police Department.

 

Please contact Terie Huseby or me if you have questions about the census. Thank you for playing an important role in our town by completing the census.