What we really need is just the basic data-that is population by age, housing units, any type of housing (single dwellings, apartments, mobilehomes, etc.)—all by enumeration districts and census tracts. I think that the census data would have been much more valuable if local agencies were used more extensively to design the enumeration districts based on local statistical needs. This should apply in counties which have a professional planning staff. We find extensive use by local business, schools, industry, utilities, charitable organizations, etc., for the census data. It is unfortunate that so many citizens are not aware of its value and confidentiality of the information to protect the individual. The press should, through their stories, stress the census as a source for the information and its value. Sincerely, MARTIN L. SCHUELLER, Mr. CHARLES II. WILSON, KING COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, Chairman, Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, DEAR REPRESENTATIVE WILSON: Thank you for your informative letter regarding the Administration's action regarding the mid-decade census series. As an administrative officer in a large county planning department, I have experienced the inadequacy of decennial census statistics, both for use in the administration of zoning cases and in the long range research program of the department. The data on housing and population is essential to our operation, and the use of out-of-date information can and has caused a series of errors in planning judgment. Local methods of updating population statistics in between the decennial years have been costly and inadequate, and because of the subjective judgment and allocation of public funds which are related to local census updatings, this information has often been found to be extremely inaccurate by time the decennial census year comes around. In order to meet the mid-decade census needs of our organization we would like to see such items as total population, total housing units, race, income, age, sex, occupation and location of place of work. Census should be close to 100% sample for all items except median school years. Computed mid-decade data should also be allocated to areas no larger than census tracts. Block data is not essential but would be useful. Data aggregated only on a county or minor civil divisions would be acceptable. We require a more infrequent reading of our population in order to effectively plan for their needs. Mr. PRESIDENT: This letter is to voice the Lancaster County Planning Commission's support for a mid-decade census. Current information on population is vital as a basis for a number of activities in which we are involved, including projecting facility needs, making policy decisions, and distributing funds. Our recent experience has shown that statistics which are ten years old are inadequate. Public and private organizations and individuals who look to us for statistical information have also voiced their concerns about the unavailability of current data. The recommendations for a quinquennial census over the years have been supported by detailed testimony. We urge that the Administration reconsider its recent negative action concerning these recommendations and give affirmative support to a mid-decade census. Respectfully yours, JOHN R. AHLFELD, AIP, Planning Director. WASHTENAW COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION, The PRESIDENT, MR. PRESIDENT: The announcement by G. H. Brown on June 10, 1971 that "... The Administration does not recommend a mid-decade census," was most disheartening news. We, here in Washtenaw County, are almost certain of a 5,000-10,000 undercount in the University of Michigan student count alone due to the fact it was between semesters at the time of the Census plus an oncampus anti-census faction. If this is true, then Ann Arbor City and Washtenaw County will be deprived of revenues based on population counts for the next ten (10) years. We had sincerely hoped that a mid-decade Census in 1975 would alleviate some of the existing undercount, and help us recoup some of our revenues. There are an increasingly number of uses and users of census materials serviced by this office for which a mid-decade census would reduce the possibility of intradecennial projections, e.g., Public Health, Mental Health, County Treasurer, County Clerk, County Prosecuting Attorney, etc. There are, in addition, a myriad of instances in our office's advisory services to local units of government, institutions of learning, and the general public in which we make continuous referrals to our internal studies based on census data covering population, housing, and economic information. We therefore, strongly recommend a reconsideration of holding a mid-decade census in 1975 with a positive endorsement. Whereas, the Planning Director, Mr. Fegan, appeared before the Property Committee at their meeting on July 27, 1971, and reviewed the matter of a middecade census and Whereas, the Property Committee recommended that the matter be referred to the Board of Commissioners for appropriate action Now therefore be it resolved, by this Board of Commissioners go on record as encouraging a mid-decade census. Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Congressman Charles H. Wilson, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Census and Statistics of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. AREA PLANNING BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, The PRESIDENT. MR. PRESIDENT: It is common knowledge that the southeastern coast of Florida has experienced, and is currently experiencing, phenomenal population growth. Proposed developments of fifty (50) thousand persons is not uncommon. This, added to large increases in general home construction, plus a substantial daily immigration, makes it imperative that population and housing census characteristics be made available on a five (5) year basis. Such information is essential to sound planning and is a valuable tool in providing for municipal services. It is strongly urged that you reconsider the establishment of a mid-decade census with a reduced questionnaire and emphasis on a more rapid method of dissemination of information. Your consideration in this matter is appreciated. FRANK W. BRUTT, Director. GREENVILLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, The PRESIDENT, The White House Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Congressman Charles H. Wilson, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Census and Statistics of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, has written me concerning my interest in a mid-decade census. As a professional planner and extensive user of census data, I wholeheartedly support the proposed mid-decade census. The mid-decade census will provide invaluable information to city, county, and state governments involved with a wide variety of problems directly related to the demographic characteristics of the population served. Specifically, the middecade census would be important to our community in the following ways: 1. As a basis for maintaining the various school desegregation plans which are presently in effect. 2. As a base from which to project future levels of socio-economic indicators for small geographic areas. 3. As a major input into various planning studies such as transportation studies, community facilities studies, housing studies, and other studies of the community. 4. As a basis for state and local reapportionment to insure equal representation to all people. 5. As a basis for distributing federal and state funds. 6. As a substitute for extensive research and update programs, thus resulting in substantial cost savings to numerous state and local agencies since it would eliminate the need to update decennial census data. 7. As an early warning system to prohibit crisis situations from occurring. Your active support for a mid-decade census at this time is absolutely essential. Sincerely, BERT A. WINTERBOTTOM, Executive Director. The Honorable RICHARD M. NIXON, Washington, D.C. BLAIR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: The Blair County Planning Commission is the areawide comprehensive planning agency for the Altoona S.M.S.A. which includes one (1) city, eight (8) boroughs, and fifteen (15) townships. In our comprehensive planning activities, we have a great need for current information concerning population and housing throughout the County and its municipalities and, in particular, information for small geographic areas. We are presently utilizing the data from the 1970 U.S. Census in our planning activities. However, this information will be outdated and obsolete within a few years. Because of this, our only choice to obtain needed population and housing data between census periods is to employ private consulting firms to develop this data so necessary for our planning program. This, of course, must be financed from Local, State and Federal sources. For this reason, it is believed that a mid-decade census would aid substantially in meeting our needs for current information and avoid the necessity for costly independent surveys. We respectfully urge that the Administration reconsider its present position and take the necessary steps to institute a mid-decade census. Sincerely, RICHARD C. SUTTER, The Honorable RICHARD M. NIXON, KING COUNTY UNITED GOOD NEIGHBORS, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: This organization and many of its member agencies make extensive use of U.S. Bureau of the Census population and housing data. Of especial use are the data for small areas. These are basic to much of our planning for social services and the location of the services. In this rapidly changing society current data are essential. Ten year old information is no longer adequate to our needs. For some time I have been following the activities of the Subcommittee on Census and Statistics chaired by Charles H. Wilson. The testimony has been without exception in favor of a mid-decade census in 1975 and every ten years thereafter. I was shocked when on June 10, Dr. George H. Brown, Director of the Bureau of the Census, stated that "At this time the Administration does not recommend a mid-decade census." As a user of Census data I urge that the Bureau be authorized to conduct a 1975 Census. This should be done now in order that they have the necessary 30-month lead time. Sincerely, ALLEN R. POTTER, Research Director. SOMERSET COUNTY PLANNING BOARD, Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, Chairman, Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, DEAR CONGRESSMAN WILSON: The Somerset County Planning Board has long advocated that the Federal Government conduct a mid-decade census. We were advocating that this be done in 1965, and the tremendous growth reported by the 1970 census amply justified this position. It is vital to a meaningful County Planning Program and to most of the Federal Grant Programs to have more accurate and up-to-date population statistics. We, therefore, urge that the Congress and Administration take appropriate actions to have a mid-decade census conducted in 1975. This need not be a sophisticated, comprehensive census such as required to be taken every ten years, but at a minimum should give at least an official head count. Your support of a mid-decade census will be greatly appreciated. Very truly yours, WILLIAM E. ROACH, Jr., Planning Director. GREAT FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD, The PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: We are presuming to write you and express our concern regarding what is apparently a decision of your administration. We are referring specifically to the Administration's decision and the decision also of Dr. George H. Brown, Director of the Bureau of Census, that there not be held in 1975 a mid-decade census. During the past decade, there has developed an ever increasing multitude of agencies, both public and private, concerned with the orderly growth and development of our country and cities, and the health and welfare of its people. To the great concern of many, the 1970 Census has revealed drastic discrepancies between figures and projections carried forward from the 1960 Census. With the ever increasing migration of people about our country, it is quite apparent to many of us in the planning process that ten years is too long a period upon which to base studies of needs in the many fields involved. We would urge, therefore, that you and your people reconsider very carefully. the decision not to hold the mid-decade census. We would accept the fact, of course, that it need not be as detailed as that of 1970, but I am sure your people can advise you in this matter. Respectfully yours, The PRESIDENT, ROBERT P. ROBERTS, Planning Director. BILLINGS-YELLOWSTONE CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD, The White House, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: As the Director of the Billings-Yellowstone City-County Planning Agency, I have concerns regarding completion of a Mid-Decade Census. For your perusal I would like to highlight certain items within which a continu ing. accurate source of statistical information becomes vital to the planning process. 1. Metropolitan Billings is a growing area within the vast Midland Empire. Being a reasonably new city when compared to older eastern cities requires a continuous surveillance of activities. In addition to sociological and environmental development, economic, industrial and cultural growth must all be planned sufficiently far into the future to assure proper and balanced growth. Prime realistic data information is a necessity. 2. Our most recent geographic base file prepared in 1968 is at this time out of date. We are in touch with the Bureau of Census to modify the geographic base file. This is a result of growth within the area and the need to reassess all growth situations. 3. The 1960 Census used as a guide for projecting population growth for the period between 1960 and 1970 became grossly erroneous because of changing living habits of the population. Many theories were proposed, by various consulting firms, with regards to projecting population within the preceding ten year period. Within our own planning office we also had a means and method for projecting population based on in and out migration, births and deaths, new construction, etc., etc. Through all of this we found that there is nothing more accurate than an actual population count. Most population projections of the latter 60's were not only inaccurate, but, were quite costly in preparation. 4. I do not believe that a Mid-Decade Census needs to be as detailed as the recent 1970 Census. However, it is important that we know how we are progressing in solving some of the sociological, environmental problems with an obvious comparison through an accurate Census Count. 5. Being a Metropolitan Planning Agency with responsibilities for areawide review and evaluation of Federal Projects having a significant impact on community and area development (OMB Circular A-95 Revised), it has been pointed out by the Office of Management and Budget the Mandate for Review is centered around the Importance of sound and orderly development, including Social and Economic, of Urban and Rural Areas. To properly accomplish our responsibilities an accurate, continuing Information System needs to be maintained. The Mid-Decade Census will surely complement our Information System. The Congressional Record of June 14, 1971, identifies withdrawal of your reconsideration of your recommendations, and hopefully you will see the need, as we do, for the continuing information source a Mid-Decade Census can provide. Respectfully, MERLE W.HOEFT, Planning Director. MEMPHIS AND SHELBY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, Memphis, Tenn., July 12, 1971. Hon. RICHARD M. NIXON, President Of The United States, The White House, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Contrary to the most recent public opinion polls, I am and continue to be an ardent supporter of most of your administrative policies |