More census response sought from DeSoto residents

From the Commercial Appeal:

DeSoto County residents were less responsive to the 2000 census than the national average, and census officials are hoping for improved response in next year's census.

The 2010 Census goes out April 1, 2010, but Census Bureau officials are asking for local support from political leaders, churches, media and civic organizations.

"The census is important for redistricting, but it is also important because of the way money is divided up among different communities," said Alicia Netterville with the Census Bureau offices in Jackson.

She asked the Board of Supervisors Monday to create a Complete Council Meeting that would include representatives from different churches and other organizations aimed at increasing response to census questionnaires.

"The response level for DeSoto County was 62 percent (in 2000) while the national response rate was 67 percent," she said.

The questionnaire to be used next year has been streamlined to only 10 questions, she added.

The Board of Supervisors approved establishing a Complete Council Meeting and designated County Administrator Michael Garriga as the chairman.

Meanwhile, Netterville said anyone interested in working on the 2010 Census should call 1-866-861-2010, the 2010 Census Jobs Line.

"We already have a pool of available workers identified, but jobs are available for some areas," she said.