STAND UP AND BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS

In less than a year the count will begin for the official 2000 census, and it is important that everyone be included.

The census may seem insignificant -- just a bunch of population figures in the end -- but it is so much more than that.

The region stands a lot to gain from an accurate count. The population figures will dictate congressional districts, and if past trends hold true will result in some counties being shifted from one congressional district to another. Census totals are also used to determine the types and amounts of the hodgepodge of federal grants, programs and funds that are made available to cities, counties, regions and states.

Of utmost importance in the first census of the new millennium will be establishing a sufficient population in the immediate Cape Girardeau area to qualify it as a Metropolitan Statistical Area. Business leaders are convinced that a sufficient number of people exists and the area meets all other criteria.

With the growth between Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, the area should qualify for a Metropolitan Statistical Area. The MSA designation would help attract industries and retail outlets and generate jobs.

City and chamber officials were disturbed by the fact that Cape Girardeau came up short of expectations during the 1990 census count. The city vigorously appealed the count but to no avail.

They hope next year will be different. To that end, already a committee of 14 people that includes two city staff members, a councilman, the mayor and Chamber of Commerce president is gearing up for the census that begins April 1. The Complete Count Committee appropriately sees a need to promote the census well in advance. It will stress the importance of people filling out census forms.

The committee is a unique approach to assuring that everyone is counted, and the city and chamber officials deserve credit for their perceptive approach.

We join the committee in urging everyone to stand up and be counted. It will be the only opportunity you have to do so for another 10 years, and an awfully lot rides on it.