Census 2010 Partners

Kathy Mudd, The Monticello News; Ed Westbrook, Providence Baptist Church; Shine Norton, Sunrise Ministries; Otis Clark, Family Connection; Linda Simmons, Southern Crescent Technical College; Joan Bell, adult education; Glenn Newsome, Team Jasper; Bob Schwartz, City of Monticello; Tracy Trovillo Norton, Family Connection; and Jeff Greeson with the Chamber of Commerce (left to right) were recognized recently for their efforts to increase Jasper County’s census participation.

Also recognized, but not present for the photo were, Jason Parr, The Church at Monticello; Cheryl Parr, Sunrise Thrift Store; Juanita Davis with the Jasper County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Donald Heaton, Shady Dale; Jimmy Horton, Springfield Baptist Church; Charles Hill and Carl Pennamon, Jasper County Commission; and Salvador Lemus, Bethel Christian Center.

Jasper County’s census participation rate went from 61 percent in 2000 to 75 percent in 2010, according to an announcement from Census officials. Members of the Complete Count Committee are proud of the improvement. The better count translates into opportunities for more money from state and federal sources, plus is essential in drawing fair voting districts for local elected officials.