As far as the 2010 U.S. Census is concerned

[Non-Typical Solutions]

Census reps: Legal status not important

By: Mike Leiby, The Independent

04/28/2009

Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendlySHOW LOW - As far as the 2010 U.S. Census is concerned, it does not matter if a person is a legal citizen. As a matter of fact, the new, simplified census form doesn't even ask if members of a household are citizens.

 

 

Show low Planning and Zoning Director Justin Tresgaskes said the 2000 census form was pages long with about 60 questions, but this time it is shorter, simpler and less intrusive into personal information.

Census Bureau workers are also required to take an oath promising not to divulge any information collected through their work for the census. Violation could result in a jail term of up to five years and/or fine of up to $250,000.

Additionally, law forbids the Census Bureau from sharing individual's answers with anyone at all, including welfare and immigration agencies.

Tregaskes said the Census Bureau will begin sending out questionnaires in February of next year but are already performing duties like updating addresses.

He wants to reassure Navajo County residents that any information gathered by census workers is used solely for the purpose of acquiring an accurate count of people living in the county.

"We are concerned only with body count, nothing else," he said.

Initially residents will receive a census questionnaire in the form of a door hanger. Only if the door hangers go unanswered will a census worker show up at a person's doorstep.

Tregaskes said the Census Bureau also provides translation services for residents needing them.

One area of concern is that the White Mountains has a "significant" number of seasonal residents, and Tregaskes said it is essential they be included in the 2010 census.

He asked that seasonal residents determine where they spend the majority of their time living, and if the majority of it is in Navajo County, to list themselves as Navajo County residents on the census form.

Since the census begins in February 2010 and many seasonal residents don't start arriving here until May or June, Tregaskes said it is very important for those residents to list themselves as residents of the county regardless of where they receive their questionnare.

"Unless we get an accurate count, we might not be able to receive all of the funding we are entitled to," Tregaskes said.

The first thing the new census form tells people is to "count all people, including babies, who live and sleep here most of the time."

He said things like grants and other government funding are often largely based on population counts and without everyone being included it could result in significant losses and have profound impact on available county services and programs.

Show Low Mayor Rick Fernau said inaccurate census figures would likely also affect many of the cities programs and services.

"Residents need to be aware the census is on the way," he said. "And I would ask everyone to please participate."

In the 2000 Census, Navajo County had the second worst return rate in the entire state with only about 43 percent of questionnaires being returned.

Tregaskes said he wanted to assure people that this time around it will be a much simplified process and added he is confident it will translate to better return numbers.

"In the last census, one in six households received a long questionnaire asking for detailed socioeconomic information. In 2010, every residence will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return," said a FAQ sheet from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more information about the census, visit www.census.gov/2010census.

For any unanswered questions, call the U.S. Census Bureau's Denver Regional Office at (303) 264-0202 or 1-800-852-6159.