Story posted Wednesday, February 3, 2010
City Stresses Value Of Census
By BOBBY CHILVER Journal & Topics Reporter
Prospect Hts. officials, including 2nd Ward Ald. John Styler and his True Count committee, continue to stress the importance of this year's election to the city and the community.
Federal and state grants are often distributed based on the population of a given municipality. With Prospect Hts. already struggling to bring in revenue, officials noted how important it is that every resident be counted.
At last Monday's regular council meeting, Styler updated the rest of the council as to the progress of his campaign. He said he has been in contact with nearly all of the local organizations, including churches, libraries, condo associations, to have them help spread the word.
"We're trying to educate people as to the importance of this census," Styler said.
The census bureau has provided the city with numerous posters, many in languages such as Spanish, Polish, Russian and Korean. Styler said he will be placing these in the local ethnic stores and churches.
Reminders about the census are expected to sent with resident water bills and Styler is also working with ARC to form a similar agreement for waste bills.
Mayor Dolly Vole also pointed out that this is the shortest census form ever. It includes only 10 questions.
But those 10 questions are essential to Prospect Hts. and library, schools and park districts.
In her recent newsletter message, Vole explained that for every 100 people the population goes down, the city loses $1,300.
For those worried about privacy, Styler noted that census data cannot be released until 72 years after the form is turned in.
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