As I am sure you are aware, the government is now conducting its count of the people, going "door to door" (by mail and using census workers) as the constitution dictates. The census figures will be used to track income and population patterns, provide financial aid to communities and create a somewhat accurate picture of our population.

I worked for the census collecting addresses in 1998. The work suited me—it was repetitious (driving in circles) and artistic (creating maps), it was solitary and the money was good. It seemed like a good idea to return to the job for six weeks or so.

I called the number on the postcard mailed to everybody soliciting workers. I was assured I was in the system and would receive a call in early March. I dutifully cleared my calendar for March and April and looked forward to my next stint as a government worker.

But March came, and I received no word. I called several times more, and was repeatedly told that I was in the system and that I would soon be receiving a call. But no call came. I phoned the local Census 2000 supervisor in Barryville several times, but he did not return my calls. It seemed that as far as donning my badge went, I was fresh out of luck.

With the importance of this count in mind, my frustration grew. Why were trained and experienced workers not being re-hired? After all, we were experts at reading the complicated census address maps. Hell, we created those maps. We explored enough of the back roads and alleys to really get a feel for our territories, and to sense the depth and make-up of the population living there.

I called the Census 2000 office in Middletown to ask why I had been passed up. The district office explained that a computer called up people at random, without regard to whether it is hiring new workers who need training, or experienced workers. No one could tell me why this system was in place, and I was told that the people have "no control" over whom the computer calls up and whom it does not. I was told, "you will receive a call in April." Oh right. Hey, I won’t hold my breath.

A friend who was hired new in March went through the training and worked for less than two weeks, only to be told last week that the work was finished at present. Like me, she wanted to take it personally, but it’s just poor planning and random computer activity.

No matter how hard they try, our government cannot seem to conduct itself in an intelligent and cost-saving manner. The Census 2000 operation seems foiled by enough bumbles and inefficiencies to rival an Abbot and Costello movie. The government tried hard to market their population count, hoping that advertising and education in the schools and elsewhere would ensure a full participation. But the forms sent to advise folks that Census 2000 was beginning were mailed en masse to the wrong addresses. New people were hired and trained, at cost to the taxpayer, while already-trained and qualified census workers languished.

And isn’t it ironic, don’t you think, that the hand counting of the United States population has been entrusted to a poorly programmed computer system?

Mary Greene, Assistant Editor

Speaking of poor planning and inefficient government practices, the county legislature sent out 750 invitations to legislative chair Rusty Pomeroy’s state of the county address. The only problem with this is that the speech was booked for a room that accommodates 300 but only seats 90. I don’t know if this is a case of expecting things not to work out, a waste of postage, or not taking care of residents or visitors.

Who is William Boucher to hold the Sullivan West school district hostage over his own sewer agenda? True philanthropy means setting aside one’s own needs for the betterment of the community. We’re counting on you, Bill!

Laurie Stuart, Editor