MOUNT VERNON — When the United States census is taken every 10 years, it provides a snapshot of the country, but it also affects how government assets are allocated and who represents us in the halls of government at the local, state and federal levels.
In Mount Vernon, the most visible impact of the census will be the redistricting of wards for city council elections.
City Council President John Booth explained that once the city receives the detailed census data, the administration will look it over then forward the data to council. He will then appoint an ad hoc committee to study the information and set new ward boundaries based on the new population figures.
“We haven’t seen the figures yet, so we don’t know where any shift has taken place, but I would expect any growth to be on the east and south sides,” Booth said. “I expect the Third Ward (east side) to have the biggest change.”
Any changes in the wards will not affect this year’s election, but will be in place for the next City Council elections in 2013.
