Mat-Su needs to be counted in the census

Valley residents aren’t turning in our census forms they way we should. Reports are that only 37 percent of us have turned in the 10-question form.

The Frontiersman’s informal poll on the subject was brighter with 65 percent saying they’ve been counted. Another 19 percent say they will mail them soon. And then there are the folks who say they have no intention of filling out the form: 16 percent. Who knows what their thinking is on the topic. What’s at stake? Plenty.

The Valley has grown by nearly 40 percent since the last count, according to Mat-Su Borough spokeswoman Patty Sullivan. That means we deserve more representation. Other parts of the state have stagnant or decreasing populations. That means after the census there likely will be a redrawing of district lines. Right now we share a state representative with Valdez. That should certainly change if we get an accurate count. A good count also might mean we get another state representative.

The state Legislature is already considering adding eight more House members and four more to the Senate. We need to be part of that new configuration.

Another amazing number from Sullivan: The Knik-Fairview area has grown by 96 percent in the last 10 years. Its population is 13,824. That’s bigger than Palmer or Wasilla and several other towns in Alaska. Sullivan points to other communities here that have grown: 64 percent in the Fishhook area and 52 percent in Meadow Lakes.

With those kinds of changes, it’s likely assembly district lines will have to be redrawn to reflect better representation on the assembly and other local boards. The census can help you get a better voice.

And, as Sullivan points out, there are federal dollars at stake based on populations. If we don’t get an accurate count, that’s money lost to another state that would help build roads, schools and other infrastructure badly needed here.

It’s 10 easy questions. The postage is paid. Nobody’s trying to steal your identification. It takes less than 15 minutes if you are a family, less for a couple.

This is important information that can help everyone in Alaska. Thursday was Census Day, but you still have time to get it in. Beginning this month, through July is when you could get a knock on the door.

If you haven’t sent in your census form, you should. For those who don’t, the feds say they will come see you.

And despite what you might have heard, that’s not trespassing.