Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs is undertaking to ensure an accurate population count in the 2010 Census, according to a report in today's Courier (see here).
A lot hangs on it, as it did in the 2000 Census, where organizations throughout the community came together to work hard on securing an accurate count, only to be frustrated in the attempt. (For a thumbnail of the 2000 Census results, see here.)
Although Census officials have several categories of those more likely to go un- or under-counted, including the homeless, seniors and those in group living situations, the 'elephant in the room' this year is the same as in the 2000 count -- Plainfield's exploding Latino population.
At the time of the 2000 Census, there seemed three factors which combined to defeat the city's best efforts:
- The reluctance to participate out of fear of government authorities;
- The difficulty of gaining the trust of undocumented persons;
- Complaints about the quality and thoroughness of those employed to actually do the count.
My personal estimate, based on some knowledge of housing conditions, including illegal multi-families and roominghouses, is that a more accurate number for Plainfield is probably around 55,000 -- well over the target the Mayor has set.
Will Robinson-Briggs be able to mount the coordinated campaign that is necessary, gain the trust of those afraid to be counted, and drive the process to a successful conclusion?
We can only hope so.
One thing is for certain, this will take grit, gumption and true leadership. Everyone wishes the Mayor well in this endeavor, as it is the whole community that will benefit.
But it will be quite a mountain to climb.
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3 comments:
Rather than concentrate on redevelopment of this city, Robinson-Briggs prefers to ensure she "ups" the numbers and counts people who are not legally entitled to be in this country...and why? all for more government dollars. Yep, great plan.
Dan,
If you did more postive, supportive, encouraging post like this Plainfield might actually one day come together!
Way to use your evil powers for good!
-D. Wynn
To 3:33 --
You need to check with the United States Census what the Census is all about.
It is a count of WHO IS ACTUALLY HERE.
Period.
The fact that the Census is used to measure how communities get the Community Development Block Grant monies is owing to Congresspeople of both parties, who set the rules.
Whatcha gonna do?
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