As the countdown nears for the 2010 Census, teams of volunteers are being trained and are setting strategies for getting a more accurate count in Colquitt County.

The crux of the problem is that a majority of the Latino community is not accounted for. Meanwhile, the community provides services for that portion of our population.

It is estimated that at least 15,000 Latinos live here year round. Of that number, only about 5,000 showed up on the last Census.

Whether the Latinos are here legally or illegally, is not relative to an accurate Census count. They just have to be here to be counted.

We have pointed out many times in this column that grants and various funds applications are tied to demographic analysis. It’s about dollars directly at that point. We need an accurate count to get our “slice” of that pie.

Not only that, long range planning requires accurate counts.

And so as these committees go about seeking help in getting us an accurate Census for 2010, please offer your ideas of how this can be done and if applicable, please cooperate with their efforts.