BY PAT KOOI

In March you will be receiving a United States Census form to fill out. The census is required by the Constitution every 10 years. The standard form requires you to answer 10 questions and it will only take you a few minutes. It is mainly a tool to find out who lives at a certain location and who lives with you. Consider the answers carefully. Locally, the American Indian representatives are asking you to be sure to fill out your tribe or affiliation if this pertains to you.

The information collected in the Census is used to obtain Federal funding for hospitals, schools, senior centers, emergency services, bridges, tunnels and more. If your area is growing, more money will be channeled your way. These figures are used for political redistricting.

If you don’t return your form, a real live person will come to your door. I was one of these in the last Census and, boy, did I learn a lot about my area. I found out where residences no longer existed, new housing, new roads and more two tracks than you can imagine. Some people really like their privacy. I encountered a few unfriendly dogs and remember one very unfriendly, belligerent gentleman who was against the government knowing anything about him. If you want to save the money (your money) return the form, and save the wages and mileage paid to the individuals who have to follow up.

The information that you give is private and even people checking their genealogy cannot access this information till most of us are dead and gone.

Help out and return the form quickly.