Letter: Taking census is hard elsewhere

Wednesday, June 21, 2000 | 9:35 a.m.

I enjoyed Kimberley McGee's June 6 story on the Las Vegas census workers, "They've taken leave of their census," because I have just finished my stint as a census worker in the Chicago area.

The stories that you related gave me a chuckle. I did not have any experiences that were quite so unique. You should feel very proud that your community has responded so well to the census.

As you have probably heard, Chicago's numbers are nowhere near as positive as Las Vegas' numbers. My assignments took me into low-income housing and to upper-middle class housing areas.

You would be amazed at how friendly and cooperative the residents of the low-income area were for me. It is an ethnically diverse area with many people who work multiple jobs. My average visit count was 10 visits before I could find anyone at home. Many people were willing to help me. They have a wonderfully strong sense of community. However, the upper-middle class residents were uncooperative, rude, and very unknowledgable about their neighbors.

All we hear in our media in Chicago is how poorly the area has responded and the numerous attacks upon census workers. There are even several people being sought for crimes because they impersonated census workers to gain access to homes. It was a treat to read such an uplifting story about an activity that pays well, is good for the community, and is an outstanding opportunity to truly get a feel for the community you live in.

SUSAN RADEMACHER

Hanover Park, Ill.