Left image: From left to right: U.S. Census representative Alice Greene, Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, and Shoreline Mayor Cindy Ryu at the Seattle Census Open House ribbon cutting ceremony. Right image: Pacific Rovers Rugby Team perform a Polynesian dance.
The U.S. Census office opened in Seattle, celebrating with Chinese lion dancers, drummers, and acrobats. Approximately 250 people were in attendance. Congressman Jim McDermott reminded the crowd that the census is an American tradition and mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
The 2010 census count will be conducted in early spring. It is used to distribute federal funds, apportion congressional seats, and re-draw political boundaries. ♦