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Census officials recruit Lansing area workers

Census official Dichondra Johnson-Geiger talks with Lansing residents about the 2010 census.
WKAR Photo
Census official Dichondra Johnson-Geiger talks with Lansing residents about the 2010 census.

By Kevin Lavery, WKAR News

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-879843.mp3

Lansing, MI – The U.S. Census is gearing up for its nationwide count this year, and officials are recruiting Lansing-area residents for temporary jobs. About 100 people came to Otto Middle School in Lansing Tuesday night to find out more.

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The census determines each community's funding allocation for a wide range of federal programs, and it helps lawmakers draw congressional district boundaries. Census forms will be mailed in March. Census takers will go door to door to talk to non-respondents starting in May. Officials stress that gaining trust is crucial to the program's success. Mike C. -- who declined to give his last name -- says as a customer service rep, he understands that sentiment.

"And I've got to let them know, I'm just like them, I pay the same bills, and I've got to get their trust," he says. "But I've got to get it right now, in a hurry and I have to reassure them. So this is about the same thing. This is right up my alley."

Census officials are now recruiting for a number of positions in the Lansing area. A basic skills test is required before hiring.

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