With a new year, counting of noses begins with Alaska

As 2010 rolls in, so does the Census begin. This happens every 10 years and it’s important for all Americans to fill out the form and send it in.

One of the most critical reasons for the head count is to determine how the House of Representatives seats are allocated. Alaska likely won’t be affected because we are a small state — fourth smallest, according to the Census Bureau. Only Wyoming, Vermont and North Dakota have smaller populations.

So it won’t be soon when he get a second House seat. Each state is allowed one. So only if some other states lose population and we gain considerably, we are one voice in the House.

However, the Mat-Su could easily get another seat in the state Legislature because of the growing numbers here and declining numbers in other parts of the state.

There’s more at stake. The federal government has $400 billion in funding each year to spend on things like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, public works projects and emergency services. Alaska needs more funding for infrastructure. That $400 billion will be doled out based on need.

The people in the Bush should be among the most dedicated to sending in their forms, because that’s where infrastructure is needed most. But residents in the Valley should send in the forms by April 1. They will come in the mail sometime in March. If you mail them in, then you won’t have to worry about somebody with the Census Bureau knocking on your door for a follow-up count.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau website, if the form isn’t returned by the third week in April, a bureau employee will come knocking. And they won’t give up easily. At least six times they will try to contact “a knowledgeable household member” to get the information.

That’s a tall order if you’re assigned to count noses in some of Alaska’s remote areas. That’s also why the counting will begin in Alaska first.

So filling in the form and mailing it — postage paid — is the best bet. The Census Bureau website says the form is only 10 questions and takes very little time to complete.

Alaska and the Valley has a lot to gain, but that can only happen if we participate fully.