for our country. However, I was greatly distressed by your Administration's negative response to a mid-year census. In my duties as Census Tract Key Person for this area of 800,000-persons and as Director of Vital Records and Statistical Services for this fine Health Department, I am well-acquainted with the many valuable ways in which census data can be utilized. We use it extensively in pinpointing public health problems on a neighborhood basis as a small example of its many usages. For community planning in all areas, complete and accurate population, housing, and environmental data must be available to the many agencies involved. As a confirmed Nixon supporter and as a census user, I urge you to reconsider your decision and support a mid-year census for our country each decade. Very truly yours, ROBERT E. BURKE, 'Director, Division of Vital Records and Statistical Services. COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL OF MARICOPA COUNTY, CHARLES H. WILSON, Sub-Committee on Census and Statistics, DEAR MR. WILSON: Am in receipt of copy of your letter dated July 22nd addressed to D. W. Hutton, Director of Maricopa County and Zoning Department, relative to the subject of a mid-decade census. I have had the opportunity of working in planning for nearly 2%1⁄2 decades, and this experience leads me to affirm that the need for a mid-decade census is more important now than ever before. I need not review in detail with you the tremendous changes in distribution, composition, and in activities of our population. These changes are occurring at such a rapid rate, that the census becomes a very inadequate tool for effective planning. I heartily endorse all efforts to bring about about legislation to permit the Bureau of the Census to undertake a mid-decade census. Sincerely yours, MILTON GAN, Executive Director. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, August 13, 1971. Hon. RICHARD M. NIXON, President of the United States, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I am advised that during the hearing of the Subcommittee of Census and Statistics held on June 10, 1971, Dr. George H. Brown. Director of the Bureau of the Census, stated, "At this time the Administration does not recommend a mid-decade census." As an elected official from Prince George's County, Maryland, and as an officer of the National Association of County Officials, I am alarmed to learn that you have taken this position, since it is inconsistent with previously understood Administration policy, and in direct conflict with other testimonies submitted at the hearing. Surely I need not belabor the importance of current information in the planning process of local jurisdictions, as well as the need for accurate population figures to enable equitable distribution of Federal financial assistance to State and local governments. To those of us in the rapidly growing areas of the Nation who are faced with the very real problems of economics and development, this information would be invaluable, and we, therefore, respectfully request that you reconsider your position. We realize the great cost of such a project, but we also feel the need for this data is of so high a priority that the expense would be justified. Sincerely, Mrs. GLADYS NOON SPELLMAN, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, COUNTY OF ORANGE, Goshen, N.Y., August 12, 1971. The PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Representative Charles H. Wilson, Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Census and Statistics. has written me of your Administration's decision to withdraw its support from a mid-decade census. As one who relies heavily on census data, I know the frustration of having to rely on data that is obsolete. This is particularly a problem in the last five years of a decennial census. This problem is further compounded because we are not able to obtain the full results of our decennial censuses in much less than two years after they are taken. Already, we are running into situations where state and federal fundings for various local programs have been held up because they require 1970 census data which has yet to be released and, in some cases, will not be forthcoming until sometime in early 1972. To me, the concept of a mid-decade census is one in which the Federal Government recognizes that our society is alive, mobile, changing in its priorities, diverse, complex, and demanding of essential services. It can either choose to adapt to the dynamics of this society, or pass it by and hope to influence a more sedentary way of life. My choice is to adapt, for I believe it is only way in which we can positively reduce the growing unresponsiveness of government towards the people it serves. We can only do this, if we are given a thorough on-going understanding of our society and the forces which are acting to shape it. Hopefully, you will continue to give serious consideration to mid-decade census and that your current decision in this matter is not irreversible. Very truly yours, PETER GARRISON. Commissioner of Planning. MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION, Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, Phoenix, Ariz., August 11, 1971. Sub-Committee on Census and Statistics. Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. WILSON: Thank you for your letter of July 22, 1971, concerning the need for a mid-decade census. It is my privilege both as Director of the Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Department and key census person designee for Maricopa County to respond to your letter. Inprecedented population growth in Arizona illustrated the need for a middecade census. Population trends from 1950 to 1970 are as follows: To plan properly-for both the public and non-public sectors-it is essential to have reasonably current information. A mid-decade census on population and housing would eliminate the gap that now exists. In fact, a precedent has already been established in view of the fact that the Censuses on Governments, Agriculture, and Economics are taken at 5-year intervals. Sincerely yours. DONALD W. HUTTON, Director. The PRESIDENT, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, Greensboro, N.C., July 22, 1971. The White House, MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: The City of Greensboro wishes to express its views regarding a mid-decade census to be undertaken in 1975 and every ten years thereafter. We support wholeheartedly a 1975 Census of Population and Housing as recommended by the Honorable Charles H. Wilson, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Census and Statistics. We feel that a mid-decade census is essential in at least five areas of local government activity as follows: 1. measurement of population and migration trends; 2. development of short, medium, and long-range plans for community facilities and services; 3. formulation of distribution methods for Revenue Sharing Proposal; 4. determination of political representation and public policy; and 5. coordination of local, social and physical development programs. We appreciate your past support and solicit your continued support in the passage of legislation authorizing a quinquennial census. Your concern and assistance is deeply appreciated. Most sincerely yours, CHARLES E. MORTIMORE, Director. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, The PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: As an urban planner and representative of local government, I would like to state my endorsement of the position taken by Representative Charles H. Wilson, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, in support of a mid-decade census for 1975. I believe the Congressional Record contains an adequate indication of local governments' pressing needs for accurate and up-to-date census data on a continual basis. Sincerely, MACON C. SAMMONS, Jr., Department of Planning. THE CITY OF WICHITA, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Wichita, Kans., July 23, 1971. The PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. MR. PRESIDENT: This will acknowledge a request of July 15, 1971, from Charles H. Wilson, Chairman, Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, relative to a middecade census to be undertaken in 1975. I strongly support the need for a mid-decade census which would provide needed data for future planning in our nation's cities. Sincerely, Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, JACK H. GREENE, Mayor. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Saint Louis, Mo., July 26, 1971. Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE WILSON: I would like to express our support for the establishment of a mid-decade census. It has been our experience that the changes which occur during a five-year period are so significant that at this stage in our history a mid-decade census is a very essential tool in our ability to plan and administer our city. Information derived from the census has long been the baseline by which not only our city government but our state and the Federal government make very basic decisions. It is very important, therefore, that census data be as current as is feasible. Our experience with the changes that occurred between 1960 and 1970 clearly indicates that a census once a decade loses its validity long before it goes out of use. Thank you very much for asking our opinion, and we will support all efforts to achieve a mid-decade census. Sincerely, ALFONSO J. CERVANTES, Mayor. CITY OF PROVIDENCE, EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS, Providence, R.I., July 20, 1971. Hon. RICHARD M. NIXON, President of the United States, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I wish to state my firm support in favor of a mid-decade census series. Until very recently, we have had to rely, for planning purposes, on outdated 1960 census data. Given the mobility of today's population, more frequent census taking would seem an absolute necessity in order to provide all levels of government with reliable data. Since the allocation of Federal funds to cities and states is based almost exclusively on a population basis it would be to the Federal governments advantage to have a more frequent census. Certainly, it would enable cities and states to plan more effectively for local needs in all areas affected by Federal programs. Further, physical and social planning at the local level would be far more sophisticated since needs could be more reliably identified. For these and many other reasons, I urge your administration to support the establishment of a mid-decade census. Sincerely, JOSEPH A. DOORLEY, Jr., Mayor of Providence. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Portland, Oregon, July 28, 1971. Hon. RICHARD M. NIXON, President, United States of America, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: It has come to my attention that you are not now recommending that a mid-decade census be taken in 1975 and at subsequent five-year intervals. I would urge you to reconsider your position and give your full support to a census. The material gathered in a Federal census is invaluable to cities; in fact, all government agencies, when it comes to such controversial items as state shared funds, urban renewal projects, state legislative reapportionment and federal grant applications to name a few. As past President of the United States Conference of Mayors, I know I speak not only for Portland, but for all cities when I say we urgently need accurate, up-to-date information to meet the challenges confronting cities today. Portland has had its share of unsatisfactory experiences when forced to use data eight to eleven years old. I would be most willing to go into these experiences in detail in additional correspondence if you desire. Again, may I urge you to support a nationwide census in 1975. Respectfully, TERRY D. SCHRUNK, Mayor. AMARILLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, The PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce is very interested in having a mid-decade census. Due to the great mobility of families in recent years, it is increasingly important that we have a census count more often than every ten years. Many other factors are involved. As a specific example: Amarillo Air Force Base closed in 1968 and caused Amarillo to lose population as compared to the 1960 census. We are overcoming the loss in population but will not be able to prove it officially until we have another federal census count. We urge that you support another census of population in 1975. Sincerely, Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, TOM E. DAWKINS, President. NEWARK, N.J., August 10, 1971. Chairman, Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, DEAR CONGRESSMAN WILSON: Thank you for your recent letter urging my support of a mid-decade census series. Please find attached a letter I have written to the President on this subject. I hope this is of some assistance to you. If I can be of any further use, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Enclosure: The PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. KENNETH A. GIBSON, Mayor. NEWARK, N.J., August 10, 1971. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I am taking the opportunity of writing you in order to urge the establishment of a mid-decade census series. Newark, like so many other cities, is in the throes of widespread social change. The indices of our problems and progress change radically from year to year and often month to month. These statistics are vital to any concerted planning that we attempt to do. In addition, the prospect of revenue-sharing with cities makes imperative an accurate measurement of the quality and extent of the social problems which beset them. The sacrifice of the mid-decade census to the necessity of budgetary restraint is a false economy in my opinion. The loss that stems from the annual investment of billions of federal dollars according to data that can be ten years old clearly makes the expense of a mid-decade census not only worthwhile but absolutely necessary. Sincerely, KENNETH A. GIBSON, Mayor. Congressman CHARLES H. WILSON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 21, 1971. House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, DEAR CONGRESSMAN WILSON: Thank you for your letter of July 15, concerning the need for a mid-decade census series. Because this is a matter which our City Council may wish to express itself on, I have forwarded your communication to that body for further consideration. Thank you again for sending your comments. Sincerely, WILLIS D. GRADISON, Jr., Mayor. CLEVELAND, OHIO, July 27, 1971. Hon. RICHARD M. NIXON, The White House Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Permit me to express disappointment on behalf of the people of the City of Cleveland over your administration's withdrawal of support of a mid-decade Census to be undertaken in 1975 and to be continued thereafter. |