Associated Press - January 2, 2010 1:14 PM ET
CHALMETTE, La. (AP) - St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro is urging those who plan to return to stay with friends or relatives there on the eve of the official U.S. Census day so they're counted.
Taffaro tells the Times-Picayune that residents who fill out census forms can then truthfully state how many people were living or staying in a given home on April 1, census day.
The statement is the latest by an official worried about the 10-year count, which will help decide federal representation and funding.
The U.S. Census Bureau, seeking to allay fears, has said forms will be hand-delivered in New Orleans and surrounding areas affected by the 2005 hurricanes to get the most accurate count possible.
Information from: The Times-Picayune, http://www.nola.com
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