On April 1, the US government will conduct the 22nd census, as mandated by the Constitution. I am urging all residents to cooperate fully with census takers to provide the information requested.

Census statistics are important, because they provide vital information in the event of a natural disaster when emergency funds are needed, assist village officials in planning for community development and aid in procuring federal and state grants for local projects.

All records are kept confidential for 72 years, even from other government institutions such as welfare agencies, Internal Revenue Service, the courts, police and the military. All Census Bureau employees must take an oath before collecting any information and are subject to $5,000 in fines and five years in prison if they reveal any information. Computer records are inaccessible outside of the bureau's own systems and the data that is stored contains no personal information.

Our village has seen great improvements over the past few years, many of which were made possible by government grants. To ensure that we continue to enjoy the high quality of life we are accustomed to, please don't leave blanks.