OLYMPIA, WA - Job creation is not part of the mission of the US Census, but US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said next year’s headcount should put a temporary dent in high unemployment around the Northwest. Tom Banse reports.

Commerce Secretary Locke strove to build enthusiasm for the 2010 Census in a speech broadcast over speakerphone. His audience gathered in the Washington state capitol mere steps from the governor’s office Locke used to occupy. The Census Bureau plans to hire 18,000 workers in Washington State, another 6,300 in Oregon, and 3,500 in Idaho to ensure an accurate count.

Gary Locke: “This will kick off the largest peacetime mobilization in America’s history, in terms of civilian mobilization at least. It’s one of the biggest short term job creators in America.”

Locke says temporary Census taker jobs pay considerably more than minimum wage. Most of the work takes place in March, April, and May of next year. The application process starts with a written test given by appointment at a local census office.

Copyright 2009 Northwest News Network

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