Imagine what it was like being in the first grade - spelling tests, cafeteria lunches and one of my favorite activities, field trips. Remember how hard our teachers worked to keep us together while still being on time? They constantly counted and recounted to make sure we didn’t leave anyone behind. Today we’re doing that but on a much larger scale. We’re counting the population of our country for the 2010 Census.

The U. S. Constitution requires that we count our population every 10 years and this year more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a census form. It’s important that we take the time to fill out the census because it affects how federal funding is distributed to our community for the next decade. The information will help our community leaders with planning decisions such as where to provideservices for the elderly, where to build new schools and how much money to budget for road projects.

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, Benton County had a participation rate of 66 percent in the 2000 Census. This number was calculated from the number of forms mailed back by households that received them.

As a result of the low participation rate, Gravette and Benton County missed out on a significant amount of money for schools, parks and other public facilities. I challenge us all to increase the number of residents who fill out and return this survey.

So far, from the forms returned within the past few weeks, the Census Bureau estimates Gravette has a 46 percent participation rate and Benton County has a 39 percent participation rate in the 2010 Census. This is a good sign and an indicator that we will surpass the participation rate 10 years ago.

Participating in the U. S.Census is an important civic duty and required by law. The good thing is the 2010 Census will be even easier to fill out; in fact it’s one of the shortest census forms in history, only asking ten questions and taking about ten minutes to complete.

The 2010 Census is important, easy and also safe. The information we fill out is confidential. By law the Census Bureau cannot share our responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. The easiest way to keep our information safe is to fill out the census form and mail it back right away.

Participation in the 2010 Census can better define the future for our families and our community. You’ve already received your census form. I hope, like me, you’ve taken time to fill out your form. Taking 10 minutes to complete this simple form will help Gravette and Benton County for years to come.

News, Pages 1 on 03/31/2010