Local Leaders: Power, Money at Risk in Census
 Brad Spear of the U.S. Census office in Pittsfield explains how the count of the nation's citizens works. |
Massachusetts, which has been declining in population, is also at risk of losing one of its 10 congressional seats. That makes it even more imperative to count every single man, woman and child.
"This is the most important Census of our lifetime," said state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, at a gathering of officials at Pittsfield City Hall on Wednesday. "Let me say that again: This is the most important Census of our lifetime. Period."
In part, he said, it is "because of the lack of political clout because of the death of Senator Kennedy and the serious threat of losing yet another congressman, down five or six from just when I was a boy."
The constitutionally mandated count will define not only congressional representation, but could affect the district lines for representation in the Legislature as well.
The rally at City Hall was designed to bring awareness to the importance of making out Census forms currently being mailed to addresses across the nation.
"What we are hoping to do is provide further public focus on this effort and to make sure people are aware of it," said Central Berkshire Register of Deed Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr.
The decennial count of the nation's 300 million citizens will be the basis for apportioning millions in funding for education and infrastructure, an influx sorely needed by the county and state still emerging from the economic downtown.
"It plays a very important role in our communities," said North Adams City Council President Ronald Boucher. "I urge every one of you to fill [Census forms] out and, most importantly, fill them out correctly because the information that's sent will have an immediate impact not only locally but throughout the state."
 Register of Deeds Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr., left, and Dalton Selectmen Chairman John Boyle, who said his 96-year-old mother had already returned her form. |
The form has been streamlined this Census to 10 questions focusing on basics of who you are, where you live, and what you do, said Brad Spear, manager for the U.S. Census office in Pittsfield. It will come in the mail and should be filled out and sent back.
"If you don't fill it out, we will knock on your door," said Spear. "That's not a threat. We'd like to meet you; we'd like to have the opportunity to speak with you to ask you those 10 questions but it's much simpler to fill out that simple form you receive and mail it back."
It's cheaper to mail it back, too, in the postage-paid envelope. If someone has to knock on your door, the cost is $75 in taxpayer money per form. And the Census will "knock three times" in an effort to catch those who fail to mail.
The bureau is also working with organizations throughout the region to track down those populations historically undercounted. An accurate count committee has been preparing for the Census for nearly two years.
And everyone has to be counted; there's no margin of error, no estimation. Just 100 percent accuracy.
 North Adams Councilor Ronald Boucher said the Census will have immediate impact on the region. |
"Who here has prepared and delivered a business plan? Odds are you had to cite market data," he told the crowd. "If you drill down far enough, you're going to find that data from private analysts comes from the Census.
"It's been an important part of our prosperity for 200 years."
We deserve our fair share of funding, said Mayor James M. Ruberto, and need to show that Berkshire County is "fully occupied" and a political force.
"We want our [House] seat and we don't want to see Massachusetts give up its seat to some other godforsaken state."
