Be a part of your community, be counted.

Message from Mayor Joe Lockwood

March is here, and it appears we've seen an end to the very cold winter the city has had this year. That's a good thing for a number of families, including my own, which have children at Milton's Bell Memorial Park and the City of Milton/Hopewell Youth Association spring baseball program.

Games start March 6, and if you've been to the fields you know how busy it can be there. But it sure is great to see the kids having fun and run into other friends and parents from across the city.

In many ways, the park is a reflection of Milton - a growing and diverse place. And so that we at City Hall know just how much we've grown, I'm asking you all to keep an eye out for the 2010 Census form. It should be arriving at the beginning of March in your mailbox.

This study is especially important for Milton, as it will be the first Census conducted since the city's incorporation. Getting an accurate population count is vital to planning for our city's future. And don't forget about the state and federal funds that flow into city coffers each year, totals which reflect population counts.

If you don't send in the form, Census workers will drop by your home and make the count themselves - and while they're certainly nice folks, that's a whole lot of work and expense that can be avoided. For a full rundown of what to expect from this year's Census, visit the city's Web site. We have a recently launched Census area that's full of useful information.

That's not all you'll find in your mailbox this month. The city will also send out its Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment survey, which should arrive within the first two weeks of March.

This too is a vital planning document, ensuring the city has a firm grasp on what citizens want when it comes to parks. I'm certainly not alone in wanting more for our citizens to address their recreational desires.

Well, that's about it for this month. Know that City Hall is always open to your concerns, questions and maybe even a little praise. Stop by and tell us what you think.

Sincerely,

Mayor Joe Lockwood