Do you contact your representatives

MountainRa

MountainRa

Senior Member
Location
Upstate SC, USA
Do you contact your state and federal government representatives by phone or email on issues that concern you? Or if not from USA, however your government system works.
This is not meant to be a political post. I’m not asking what issues you contact your representatives about. Just if it’s something you make the effort to do.
I ask because I have been making the effort to email my senators and representatives weekly but feeling discouraged. I get a generic reply (thank you for writing, blah, blah). Can’t help but suspect my views never make it past some staffer’s email folder.
 

Yes, when an anticipated 540 day highway detour did not have signage. By now I must know everyone who does not want to get involved from city, county, state and OK Dot. GPS does a 15 mile circle.
 
A few times over the years, but actually only one was on the ball and called back and handled my concerns. I had seen him in person before at VA helping people. He has a reputation for that. The others just blah, blah, blah.
 
dilettante said:
I find that letters are more likely to get something back aside from the pathetic canned response emails produce.
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Exactly. Apparently one hand written letter is considered the equivalent of 100 other communications. They consider that for every letter received, they are 100 more constituents who think the same.

Some years ago I would write to my local rep, and cc the appropriate minister, about matters that concerned me. Usually I would get a reply from some staffer but once or twice I did receive a serious reply from the intended recipient.

It might seem like a useless exercise but when they receive a bundle of letters that are not identical copies, they do tend to take notice.

I once wrote to the Minister for Immigration, a woman, about the families who were detained in remote locations in Australia, pleading for better treatment for the children. Some time later they were allowed out to attend school under the supervision of a couple of guards who escorted them to and from the local school. I wrote to the Minister again, thanking her for this change. I think politicians actually do have hearts, and a little bit of thanks and praise does go a long way. After all, you do catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
 
To my post (#2) I should have added that my emails or letters wouldn't make much difference when we're diametrically on all the issues that matter to me.
 
I occasionally write/speak with state and local elected representatives. For non-legislative matters, I find it's more effective to contact the specific department concerned.

In my experience, trying to communicate with anyone in the federal government is a waste of time. :(
 
I have sent emails over the years and many of the items here happen.

1. no response at all ( says a lot about person and staff)
Side note a person I work with has a grown child works for one Senator from state that did NOT respond at all and from her own staff I heard " she is a horrible person"

2. form letter with small amounts of detail to what I was addressing.
3. I was auto signed up for rep/ senator news letter that i had to UN subscribe 3 times before it took.

4. had two politicians respond in a way they clearly read and thought about it email ......One timeline said it was done and sent on a Sunday.

I have signed petitions or group emails.
In the end I was talking with a group who said they had NEVER emailed or signed a group petition etc. To each their own.
 
I do not as my congressman is Hakeem Jeffries, and I love him. He has frequent neighborhood meetings which I always seem to find out about the next day; he gives ample notice, but I check my email infrequently. Neighbors who have met him are very enthused.
 
MountainRa said:
Do you contact your state and federal government representatives by phone or email on issues that concern you?
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Mostly I do the email option on the official website, and I only email if they are voting "wrong" and I'm complaining. Once though I sent a thank you email because our senator voted the "right" way even though his party voted the "wrong" way.

The only response I've had is to get added to their email newsletter.
 
Corresponding with politicians is useless. I have done it several times, they never answered. I am referring to a country in Europe, thus no problem with the "no politics" rule.
 
I don’t contact them to express my personal view on issues but I do contact them when I want help with something specific.

Quite often when I’m out for my morning walk I exchange pleasantries with the New York State Assemblyman that represents my district.

He seems relieved and appreciative when all I have to say is good morning. 🤭😉😂
 

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