Census info shows that Cowley County actually grew in population by 20 residents from 2000 to 2010. This reverses a population loss from previous decade, and defies expectations that we had lost population. The reason? You guessed it, Hispanic population has exploded, more than doubling in 10 years. Here's top of the story. More details are on the census web site..
This will likey trigger a bit of debate about the benefits of the immigrant community and creekstone's presence in town. I find it hard to argue with the overall benefit of increased population, which means better chances at more state and federal grants, funding for schools and other government services, and the added jobs and increased labor force that stimulates the local economy.
Certain there are downsides — nationals of other countries send money back home and some of these folks are illegal, operating underground and avoiding obligations to society. Hard to know how many, though.
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8 comments:
Well now that we are bucking the trend - but not necessarily raising the standard of living - we should feel alot better about the area?
It will certainly help to fill in some of those sub-standard structures and also help those Slum Lords!
But, the fact still remains we are "bleeding" the youth and those who are educated. As well as accumulating more elderly!
Spin it however you want its probably not a sustainable GROWTH trend! Especially if they are subject to being deported!
Couple of corrective arguments.
1. Underground immigrants are not included in the census. Census addresses documented residents. That is not to say they all have their immigrant paperwork in place but that they have enumerated themselves to census takers. The Census folks no longer peek through window shades to get information (I scantly remember stories of such shenanigans in my childhood).
Point being, the numbers may still be a 1/2 percent low on hispanic population in the county.
2. The Creekstone payroll effectively kept the county economy from imploding. To say stimulate is a bit overstating. They kept us on life support when it appeared we approaching the time to decide when to pull the plug.
Creekstone can bump our economy significantly if we can get some chapions on the federal level to re-open all international markets to their product.
That would literally stimulate the economy.
Here's my volatile comment of the day. If we honor civil rights legislation, this would also be an indicator that local units of government should alter their hirng practices such that staffing reflects the shift in demographics. Meaning, in order to reflect the changing face of the community, more minority hiring vertically throughout the units of government should follow over the next several years.
I am sure someone will want to send me threatening letters over that comment. I mean, we only like the law when the law favor certain persons. Don't worry, I won't respond unless it's a direct threat. First comment in over a year. Probably be another year or two before I comment again.
Here's my volatile comment of the day. If we honor civil rights legislation, this would also be an indicator that local units of government should alter their hirng practices such that staffing reflects the shift in demographics.
You know I don't mind the intent of Civil Rights legislation - I think its intent is to try and level the playing field! (Not to arbitrarily make exceptions.)
What I don't like is the entitlement attitude of those who want to hold it up as a set of RULES (that must be adhered to or else) and not a set of GUIDELINES!
If a minority wants a specific job/position and/or can do that job they should be considered (have a shot at it) not just get it regardless of their education, qualifications, or attitude!
So, yea we don't necessarily agree 100%. I guess now you can call me a racist!
March 8, 2011 5:30 AM,
I had just finished reading Charles' post and was about to respond when I read your post and it said exactly what I wanted to say, and in much nicer terms that I was about to use. Thank you.
The best person for the job should be hired, no matter what ethnicity they are. Period. To hire a minority simply because they are a minority is racist IMO.
"The best person for the job should be hired, no matter what ethnicity they are. Period. To hire a minority simply because they are a minority is racist IMO."
Couldn't agree more!!
Charles, you should take a look at what is happening in Dayton, Ohio where the Dept of Justice has required the city to lower the standards of hiring and make the tests easier so that more minority applicants will be hired.
I find this disgusting on many levels, but mostly because it is an insult to intelligent men and women of minorities to say that the tests need to be dumbed down in order for them to pass.
If there are not people of minorities applying for city jobs, then they can't very well hire them. And if they are hired over a better suited person simply because they are a minority, then that is WRONG!
What I appreciate the most here...
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for considering mine.
I agree, the most qualified and best fit candidate should get the job.
We all agree that compromising the selection process isnot the way to go.
Maybe we only disagree on how often that happens.
Charles you made some good points during the first half of your comments. I even agree that if demographics change in a community an organization should be reflective of the community at some point over the following 5-10 years.
The problem is the people of any demographic must want a particular position within government and meet the educational and job qualifiations. You have professed for many years that local governments have held back minority applicants from being hired. If thats the case then show facts and not just state your bias. If you can't show tangible proof that qualified applicants have not been hired due to their race...Just give up the rhetoric! It's unbecoming of you.
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