It's easy to be mad at the federal government these days. But that's no reason not to fill out your census form. Census data is used to distribute more than $400 billion in aid for essential services such as schools, hospitals and transportation. But 43 percent of households in Massachusetts have yet to submit their forms. With corruption, waste and fraud seemingly rampant in government, it may seem reasonable to wave off census obligations this year and think to yourself, 'What's one missed home?"

That mentality will only lead to your community being overlooked when it is time to distribute your own tax dollars. The census should not be political.

Washington, D.C. ignores communities such as Somerville too often as it is, don't give them another reason. Let them know you're here. It's simple, just fill out your form and mail it in.