VALDOSTA — In the Dr. Seuss’ classic “Horton Hears a Who,” it took all of the Whos in Whoville to make a difference.
Everyone counted ... no matter how small.
The same lesson could be applied to the Census.
No matter a person’s age, height, race, creed, or religion, everyone matters. Everyone must be counted.
By being counted, each person helps the community.
How?
The number of people living in the region determines how much federal money Valdosta-Lowndes County will receive in the next decade. The more people: The more federal dollars, the more congressional representation, etc.
For every completed census form, for every counted person, the community receives $1,700 per person per year, said Lowndes County Complete Count Co-Chair Sam Allen.
The census reflects whether our region’s population is growing, remains stagnant, or is decreasing.
South Georgians may know our region is growing. Through the census, we can let the government and the rest of the nation know we’re growing, too.
So, it’s an important issue. One that The Valdosta Daily Times is going to feature today and the next couple of weekends in our Sunday editions.
We want all Valdosta-Lowndes County residents to be counted, and we want our readers to better understand how the accurate numbers can work for us. And how not responding to the census can count against us.
Everyone counts ... no matter how small.
What We Think
What We Think: Are you down for the count?
- What We Think
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
- More What We Think Headlines
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Books: A part of summer adventures
