ACORN/Census link sparks controversy

VICTORVILLE • One local councilman is adding his voice to those raising concern over the connection between the 2010 U.S. Census and the controversial organization ACORN.

The Association of Community Organizations for Reform is the national activist group that fell under harsh criticism after being accused of voter registration fraud during last November’s presidential election. The group is also now a “national partner” to help promote the nationwide count coming next year.

After the Victorville City Council recently pledged to support the 2010 Census process and dedicated a staff member to serve on the local committee, Councilman Mike Rothschild wrote a letter to the director of the regional census center questioning how ACORN’s involvement could affect the reliability of census data.

“Why should we as cities dedicate our personal resources into that process if it’s going to be flawed from the beginning?” Rothschild said. “It’s a fair question, I think.”

Rothschild said he’s concerned with how the group could sway the process and influence funding for the next 10 years.

“ACORN, along with 31,000 other organizations, has partnered with the census to promote participation,” said census spokesman Jack Martin. He said that includes encouraging participation in the count and publicizing among their constituency that there will be canvassing jobs available.

With questions established by Congress and permanent census employees processing the data, Martin said the census is a secure and un-biased operation.

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Brooke Edwards may be reached at 955-5358 or at bedwards@VVDailyPress.com.