Sue Linder-Linsley, an assistant manager with the Dallas Regional Census Center Field Division, is no stranger to handling the work that awaits United States Census Bureau workers in the next few months.

She was an area manager during the 2010 census and is managing 12 area census offices, including New Mexico and Texas.

The Carlsbad Current-Argus sat down with Linder-Linsley to discuss the census, why it matters and how to participate.

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Why is the census conducted every 10 years?

"Under Article One of the (United States) Constitution, the U.S. Census Bureau is required to conduct a count of every person living in the U.S. every 10 years. It’s our constitutional right to participate in the Census and be counted."

Being counted only once is important

"The importance of everyone being counted once and only once, is the primary goal of the 2020 census. Census data is used to help Congressional redistricting. Census data is used everyday to solve problems around you, the census data helps you communicate with your community to create jobs, providing housing, prepare for emergencies, build schools, road and hospitals.

"As everywhere across America continues to flourish and grows, it’s important that communities have access to make these improvements."

Different ways to fill out the census

"Individuals can complete the census either online for the first time or by telephone, in the mail or in person."

What about federal money and House districts?

"It determines where the districts and representatives are based on population counts. As areas increase, the number of districts and representatives in Congress changes based on that count."

More:Looking for work? U.S. Census Bureau is hiring

Census 2020 jobs, opportunities

"Right now the census is recruiting thousands of individuals to assist with the census efforts. People need to apply and spread the word to community members who maybe looking for part time employment.

"We need neighbors counting neighbors and in order to do this we need people from every neighborhood to apply. Our big message is apply online at 2022Census.gov. One application is good for field and office positions."

More:What's the population of Carlsbad? 2020 Census could reveal answers

Should people have any privacy concerns?

"For the 2020 census, we’re kind of excited as people can now complete the census online and in total privacy when they complete it. We want to stress the hard work we have done to make sure that all data is submitted in confidence and is secure."

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.