Oscar Reconco is starting now to ensure accurate and timely completion of the 2010 census.

He will select individuals for positions from executive management to clerk typist (these are two-year temporary jobs). Jobs will be filled within the next three months with the opening of the official offices by Oct. 1.

The census is required by Chapter 13 of the U. S. Constitution to ensure a complete count of all citizens. It is used for allocating government funding based on population, as well as the addition or subtraction of political representation.

Reconco said, "Those censuses taken over the last 30 years were successful; however, there is a lot of improvement needed for this census. We need to accomplish this census accurately to ensure we receive our fair share of the $300 billion available each year for allocation."

Reconco is asking that "all community organizations become involved to ensure everyone is counted."

For every person not counted, Nevada loses $300. With the millions of people in Nevada, the amount of losses is highly significant. It will be interesting to find out exactly (as possible) how many people actually live in Nye County.

The most objectionable part of the last census was the form was too long and took too much time to complete.

That form has been greatly streamlined to a short form with only 10 questions, including name, relationship to homeowner, gender, age, date of birth, race and whether the respondent owns or rents his or her home.

It only takes a few minutes to complete, and the information is kept secret for 72 years, after which it is destroyed.

A community survey may still use the long form, but it is not part of the national survey. All information is kept confidential under penalty of law. No Social Security numbers will be collected.

The information is not going anywhere but to the Department of Commerce to accumulate the national numbers to report to the president by Dec. 31, 2010.

"I want the people of Nevada and Nye County and Pahrump to cooperate. It is important to have the Pahrump Town Board and others encourage participation. I invite the board to be part of the survey as a community partnership. I also invite faith-based organizations to support the survey," said Reconco.

Reconco acknowledges that demographic challenges will be part of the Nevada count, but he plans to speak in different places.

"I want to see Nevada get more dollars and an additional political seat for the state," added Reconco.

Another challenge is the number of undocumented immigrants, but if they live here, they are counted, no questions asked.

Reconco emphasized, "It is imperative that we pick up all those who were missed during previous surveys. There will be several census related activities that will be held before 2010."

Community census agreements need to be finalized quickly as there is a whole list of things to do in the next year and a half.

He will be in contact with community organizations throughout the state to request time to speak at their various gatherings in order to get the word out to the population. Access to the media, mailings and the organization of a community count complete committee in each area will hopefully be accomplished soon.

The census can be used by communities to make decisions on issues such as where to build roads, schools, job training centers, and more. Billions of dollars are available and Pahrump needs to get its portion.

Communities may wish to sponsor a "town hall" meeting to encourage participation, give public proclamation or use other resources to support the census. A Nye County and Pahrump Complete Count Committee should be created to achieve a full representation of residents.

Reconco noted that "I will be working in coordination with JobConnect to obtain employees. However, the application must be completed online at 'www.opm.gov' or 'www.doc.gov'." There is a test for each applicant that will be held at the information center.

He asks that "everyone stand up and be counted. It's in our hands, your participation matters." To obtain information on past censuses, visit www.doc.gov/census.

If you are interested in applying for one of the many available jobs, contact either JobConnect at 775-537-2323 or Reconco at 702-503-2307, or at his office at 702-897-6000.