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2020 Census prep takes shape

Warren County has taken a formal step in the process of preparing for the 2020 Census.

During Wednesday’s commissioners meeting, the commissioners passed a resolution to create a Complete Count Committee.

According to census.gov, the role of the committee is to “utilize local knowledge, influence, and resources to educate communities and promote the census through locally-based, targeted outreach efforts” and “provide a vehicle for coordinating and nurturing cooperative efforts between tribal, state, and local governments; communities; and the Census Bureau.”

Sean Silman, partnership specialist with the Philadelphia Regional Census Center, told the commissioners at a work session last month that the committee is usually comprised of the “top figures” in the community – education, religion, business and others. “Those are the key figures you’re looking to have there.”

“In general, the thing going forward (is) how do we overcome the political aspect of it as well” with 2020 being an election year, Silman said. “This is a neutral part of (our government and) one of the purest things left.”

In presenting the resolution on Wednesday, Commissioner Ben Kafferlin indicated that the following individuals have, to this point, agreed to serve on the committee: Himself, City Manager Nancy Freenock, County Planner Dan Glotz who will chair the committee, WCSD Superintendent Amy Stewart, Veterans Affairs Director Ed Burriss, Hi-Ed Executive Director Joan Stitzinger, Elections Director Lisa Rivett, Glade Township Supervisor Joe Scully, Barb Tubbs, Tonya Mitchell-Weston with the Housing Authority, Dr. Bill Clark with BEI, Jennifer Bliss, WCCBI CEO/President Jim Decker, United Fund Executive Director Lacey Hanson, Chief Clerk Pam Matve, Bob Raible with the EOC, Zoning Officer Mike Lyon, Silman and Warren Mayor Maurice Cashman.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston said the committee is a “great thing we’re doing” that will be a “huge help to the county.”

He added that the more data the county has, the more data the county has, the more officials can advocate.