SAN CLEMENTE

The Census Bureau is looking for 100 men and women to count people in southern Orange County for the 2000 census.

However, the community’s lukewarm response to the bureau’s recruitment efforts has census officials concerned about a potential staff shortage that could lengthen the amount of time it will take to complete the survey in San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and a portion of Laguna Niguel.

James Thayer, manager of the Census Bureau’s Vista office, which covers coastal South County and northern San Diego County, said local recruitment is about 20% lower than officials had hoped for.

Thayer blames the strong state economy and thriving job market for the lack of interest in a part-time government job that pays $14 an hour.