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Officials: Number of local census returns above state average

By By PAT BAILEY

Story Created: Apr 1, 2010 at 3:42 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 1, 2010 at 5:43 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Officials at the local U.S. Census Bureau office say the number of surveys that have been filled out and returned locally are hitting expectations, and are even above the state average.

However, they believe the local numbers could be even better, and are looking to do just that.

Thursday is National Census Day - a late push to remind you to get your census information filled out and returned. Most people NEWSChannel 2 spoke with Thursday said they had finished filling out their census information and it's already been mailed back.

"It helps the community out," said Gene McCleary. "So don't cry when its time (for) the county to need money and everything."

At the Census Bureau office in downtown Utica, there was a major push Thursday to get people to fill out their census information and get it returned. Nationally, 52% of Americans have done that, but even more are getting involved locally, said Local Census Department Manager Kitty Cowan.

"Oneida County is at a 60% mail back rate and Herkimer County is at 62%," said Cowan. "Otsego County is at 51%. We would like to see that higher."

Everyone should be getting their survey in the mail by April 12 and they are due back by May 1, Cowan said.

If they are not mailed in by the deadline day, a representative from the US Census Bureau will be knocking on your door looking for the information.

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