Taran Parsons

February 23, 2010

Since 1790, the United States has conducted a population census every ten years. And it's time again to be counted.

Taran Parsons brought the message to Putnam Rotarians today as to what, who, when, why and how. As a "partnership specialist" with the Census Bureau since last June, the Jackson County native has talked already with eighteen county commissions, town councils, senior citizen centers, libraries, civic clubs and churches from Tyler and Pleasants Counties down through Boone and Lincoln.

The ten-year census is required by the Constitution, she told the group. "The census will count every individual -- not just every resident, not just every citizen -- every person as of April 1, 2010."

What about a foreign-exchange student? "If they are residing here, they will be counted," Parsons replied. "And college students will be counted at their campus; we have already been talking with students at their schools and at their dorms."

Every year the federal government allocates over $400 million for highways and other infrastructure on the basis of population numbers shown in the census. People not counted represent a loss of federal monies to the community.

Population statistics are used to draw legislative boundaries for the US House of Representatives and state and local government. Planners use the information to plan for hospitals, schools, stores and housing developments.

Still, many people view the census as a governmental intrusion.

"But personal information is confidential for 72 years." said Parsons. This includes other federal agencies and law enforcement officials. "Anyone who discloses census information is liable to $250,000 in fines and five years in prison.

"And," she added, "this is the shortest form ever. It takes ten minutes to answer ten questions.

"It will be mailed to your home, and if you mail it back no one will knock at your door."

The forms must be delivered by hand, Parsons said. And that may be a special problem in West Virginia "where sixty percent of the people get their mail in a [post office] mail box."

Census forms are already in the mail, said Parsons. They have also been placed in public places such as libraries.

In May and July, census takers will visit households which did not return a questionnaire by mail.

A business management graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan, Parsons also holds a master's in labor and industrial relations from WVU.