bws #7

bws #7 02/09

CENSUS PREPARATIONS

TEAM CENSUS 2010 -- Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Ocean County's Census Liaison, seated center, met with representatives from government and nonprofit agencies, faith based and business groups to start work on the 2010 U.S. Census. The population count derived from the Census serves as the basis for most federal and state programs that help the residents of the county, provides information for grants to support nonprofit organizations, helps with business marketing plans and is the foundation for any future planning based on demographics. CENSUS PREPARATIONS TOMS RIVER -- April 1, 2010 may seem somewhat in the future, but not for Team Census 2010 which met to lay the groundwork to ensure every resident of Ocean County will be aware of the importance of being counted in the next decennial Census.

Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, the county's US Census liaison stressed the importance of the population count which frequently serves as the basis for how much funding the county will receive for various programs. Demographics resulting from the Census are used by schools, communities, nonprofits, businesses and others for grants, loans, and future planning. The count also determines legislative and congressional representation.

An immediate concern, due the timing, is educating the county's "snowbirds" about where they should be counted before they leave the area this fall. The nickname "Snowbird" refers to residents who live in one place, but spend the warmer months in another. The U.S. Census wants snowbirds counted where they live most of the time.

Freeholder Vicari said, "April 1, 2010 many snowbirds will be at their winter locations where they will receive a Census form. The one they receive in Ocean County will not be forwarded to them. The snowbirds should not fill out the form mailed to their winter address or they will be counted there. They should wait until they return to Ocean County where the Census representatives will contact them so they can be counted here."

Vicari is concerned that if the county does not receive the full funding it should, it will not be able to serve the community as it now does.

He said. "People should be counted where they live the longest because not only is that the Census ruling, but it also is where they have the most impact and need for services. In the reverse, a similar situation occurs with college students. The Census advises us, they should be counted where they go to school, not at their legal residence. So we lose them in our count."

As the year progresses, the committee also will focus on other county residents who may not be easily counted through a "Hard to Enumerate Committee."

Vicari said, "I was impressed with the turn-out we received at our organizational meeting. The committee members were enthusiastic, offered a number of great ideas and were ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle the job of ensuring all Ocean County residents are counted."

He added, "We are fortunate to have the same county leadership in place that coordinated the 2000 Census effort with Ocean County Planner David J. McKeon as chair of the Team Census 2010 committee and Principal Planner Victoria Pecchioli as his lead staff member. Assistant Planner John R. Brown has joined the 2010 effort."

Organizations represented at the organizational meeting included Community Medical Center, KMC Foundation, Southern Ocean County Hospital, Literacy Volunteers of American, O.C.E.A.N., Inc., , Puerto Rican Congress, Beth Medrash Govoha, Christ United Methodist Church, St. Francis Center, Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Perlmart, Inc. Supermarkets, Ocean County College, Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs, Barnegat, Brick, Lakewood and Toms River Townships, and from Ocean County government, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, College, Human Services, Library, Planning, Public Affairs, Social Services, Senior Services, and Superintendent of Schools. Other representatives will be added as the year progresses.