Up for the Count

Just how serious can the Census Bureau be about getting an accurate 1990 count when:

* Despite the fact that I’ve been at the same address for five years--an address listed in the local phone book and known to the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles--I received no census forms?

* And despite the fact that I twice called the Census Bureau’s toll-free hot line and was twice assured that I would be contacted, I have--two months later--still not heard from any agent or seen any forms?

With the much-ballyhooed campaign to ferret out residents who are indifferent to the census, it seems ludicrous that someone who actually wants to be included--and has actively sought to be included--is overlooked.

Political candidates, charities from every corner of the nation and government agencies wishing to collect taxes or auto-registration fees are happy to acknowledge my existence. It’s only to the Census Bureau, apparently, that I don’t count.

KYMBERLY G. DRYER

Corona del Mar