To the editor:

OK, so Ames says I have to tell the Census Bureau that I live in Ames, Iowa because this is where I sleep most of the year. So what? According to the IRS, Selective Service, Social Security and every other government agency with my name, I live in the Chicago suburbs.

That’s where my tax forms are sent, that’s where the draft notice will go (if there ever is one), and that’s where they’ll come to arrest me if I commit social security fraud. So why, when all these other organizations tell me I live in Illinois, does the Census Bureau tell me I live in Iowa? I don’t quite get it. Sure, I could change my address with all those agencies, but I’d only have to change it back again for summer, and then back to here next fall, and so on and so forth. In the meantime, who knows if banks statements, tax returns, credit card bills, etc., are getting lost or delayed because I keep changing my address.

That adds up to unnecessary expenses for me and is just a waste of time. I’m here for one sole purpose: to go to school. Not to live, not to work, not anything else. Just school. But, despite all these facts, I’m willing to make a deal with both the Ames community and with Iowa State University.

I will gladly tell the Census Bureau that I live in Ames, Iowa, if Iowa State University recognizes that fact. Iowa State wants to benefit from me living here? Fine, but I’m going to benefit from me living here too. If Iowa State will recognize the fact that I’m an Iowa resident and grant me in-state tuition, as well as refund my out-of-state tuition for the last 2 1/2 years that I’ve been here, then I’m proud to say I live in Ames. Otherwise, sorry Ames and Iowa State, but I live in Illinois.

Sean Cunningham

Junior

Animal science