PERTH AMBOY – Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz outlined the city’s plans to reach all residents at a press conference to mark the 2010 Census “one-year-out” milestone held on Wednesday, April 8.
She was joined by Ligia Jaquez, Deputy Regional Director, New York Region, U.S. Census Bureau; John M. Rodecker, Superintendent of Schools, Perth Amboy; Dianne Roman, Chairperson of Perth Amboy’s Complete Count Committee; and Assemblyman John Wisniewski.
The event took place at the Herbert N. Richardson School, which is located in an area of the city that Diaz said was “seriously” undercounted in 2000. The city’s population is about 49,000 according to 2006 census figures; about 70 percent are of Latino/Hispanic origin.
“Quite simply, this neighborhood, which has a large immigrant population, was seriously undercounted in the 2000 Census,” said Diaz. “Other areas also saw undercounts to varying degrees. The City of Perth Amboy has been paying the price ever since and we just cannot afford to allow this to happen again.”
The mayor said the city has established a 15-member Perth Amboy Complete Count Committee, which is headed by Roman, who works in her administration.
“This is a real grassroots committee that reflects the population of the city and their mission is to get our residents to complete the 2010 Census questionnaires. They will be developing a strategy and working with our partners in the community, including many who are here today,” said Diaz. “They will also be working with the U.S. Census, the State Data Center, the League of Municipalities and anyone else who can lend a helping hand to make the 2010 Census a success.”
“The census is the largest domestic operation conducted by the federal government, and the Census Bureau cannot accomplish it alone,” said Jaquez. “The 2010 Census is thrilled to partner with Mayor Diaz and the City of Perth Amboy to ensure the most accurate count.”
Rodecker said: “Perth Amboy Public Schools will work in cooperation with the city to ensure that every resident is counted.”
In addition to educating and reaching out to city residents, Perth Amboy is also training its city workforce on census efforts. On Tuesday, April 7, five members of the Diaz administration took part in training with the U.S. Census, including the tax collector and tax assessor. Additionally, the city will be providing two training sessions this spring and fall to city employees and board members.
Diaz said she also wants the community to take advantage of job opportunities through the U.S. Census. Information is provided on the city’s website, www.ci.perthamboy.nj.us.
