Bus tour emphasizes census importance

Photos: Census Road Tour makes stop

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The 2010 Census “Portrait of America” Road Tour makes a stop in the area Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2009.

By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 1:26 AM Wednesday, January 6, 2010

HAMILTON — Hundreds gathered Monday morning, Jan. 5, at Richard Allen III Academy to locally kickoff a nationwide effort to promote the 2010 Census.

On the second day of the 2010 Census “Portrait of America” Road Tour, census officials were on hand to answer questions and provide literature about the questionnaires that residents will begin receiving in March.

The location of the meeting was key, as the school on Knightsbridge Drive is in the 2nd Ward, where results from the last census showed low participation.

Aleta Townsel-Benson, school principal, told the estimated 225 children who were seated in the assembly that making sure “you and your family” are counted will help break the stereotype that people in the 2nd and 4th Wards don’t participate in the census.

“A lot of times people are misinformed. The only way to correct that is to give them correct information,” she said.

Hamilton’s Complete Count Committee, which is comprised of community leaders and city officials, has been focused on targeting “hard-to-count” areas and groups, such as Hispanics. The event Tuesday was viewed as a way to make inroads in that area and alleviate fears.

Andrea Tellez, 24, has a brother and sister enrolled at the academy. She is from Mexico and has lived in Hamilton since she was 5 years old.

Tellez said some people who have not resolved their immigration status fear the worst.

“Some people in (the Hispanic) community are afraid to respond because they think they will be deported,” Tellez said.

Theresa M. Brundage, Cincinnati-based census partnership specialist, said census information is confidential and is not shared with other governmental agencies.

“The message here is about politics, power and money,” Brundage said. “Cities can develop a complete strategy in raising awareness in their communities. People need to understand the connection between the census and them.”

Teri Whitmore, census liaison and city planning director, said the city receives federal funds based on census results that may be used for street repairs, public transportation or to subsidize nonprofit agencies that help the poor.

Mayor Pat Moeller reiterated the message that federal dollars, congressional seats and jobs are at stake. “The census defines a nation, but just as important, it defines our city, our county and our state,” Moeller said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.

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