It’s important to answer the census
Do you realize how important it is to be counted in the 2020 Census?
According to the Census.gov web site, Census data guide how more than $675 billion of federal funding is distributed to states and communities each year. There is a lot at stake for us locally and regionally.
Your response helps direct funds to local communities for schools, roads and other public services.
Just remember, we only get this chance to make an impact once every ten (10) years! It only takes a few minutes.
Fairhaven currently stands at 70% completion of the Census. While that is not bad, there are other communities in our region who are doing much better. For example, Rochester 79%, Seekonk, 76%, Swansea 76%, Freetown 78%, Acushnet 76% and Lakeville stands at 73%.
One young person in our community recognizes the importance of the Census and has stepped forward to help campaign for us to do more right here in Fairhaven. She is 15-year-old Weslee Tyler, a 10th grader at Fairhaven High School. Her mother, Kari, worked as a Census volunteer in 2010 and has, obviously, instilled in Weslee the importance of the Census.
Later this month, Weslee will begin working with the Town’s Public Access TV station to produce a Public Service Announcement about the Census and she will help get the word out on social media. Through the end of October, when the Census period ends, Weslee will track the Town’s participation and keep us informed.
We can all help Weslee make a positive impact in our community by making sure we have completed the Census and by helping her pass along the word to others about how very important the Census is.
Stay tuned for more from Weslee. In the meantime, to learn more, visit the Town of Fairhaven Town Clerk’s web page and these other links:
• https://www.fairhaven-ma.gov/town-clerk/news/census-2020
• https://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/2020-census-federal-state-funding-medicare/
Bob Espindola, Fairhaven
Mr. Espindola is a Fairhaven Selectboard member
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 7/16/20 issue: 07-16-20 NewOfficers
