Communicating with the powers that be

[Citizen James]

Note: By contact I mean that you have personally either written, emailed,  spoken with, or otherwise communicated with an individual (or one of their office staff) about a matter of concern to you;  Not including signing pettitions, or copy-pasted premade letters.

Democracy is meant to be a particpatory government.  Do you participate.

[??????????]

No, I don't like wasting my time. If I had a problem with something local I'd go to the media as they'll get the officials asses into gear. You'd be better off writing letters to yourself rather then bothering with the polis.

[jerusalemcar5]

Some to senators for fun and I think as part of a school project to the president.  However the only one who reads it is some intern who sends a pre written response back and forgets you.  That is not the best way to participate.

[The Dowager Mod]

3,4,5

[Jake]

State Rep. over her support for the pay raise here. Didn't receive a response.

State Sen. I've talked to in person, but not about politics. Same for State Attorney General Corbett.

Sen. Santorum repeatedly over the past few years.

Sen. Specter over Harriet Miers.

Rep. Sherwood over a number of issues.

[David S]

1,2,4,5,6

[nini2287]

Voted option 4 but now that I think about it-option 5 too.

I wrote a letter to my former Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS) for a school project in 8th grade asking about genetically modified orangisms/food.

Now that I think about it, I called Specter's office about the nuclear option as well.  I was a day late and had not read the news yet that the Gang of 14 had reached a compromise so the lady at Specter's office yelled at me.

[??????????]

It's sad to see you guys actually wasting your time with politicians.

[muon2]

Communication from constituents does matter, from what I've seen. One problem is that as the jurisdictio n gets larger, the number of concerns rises. Many times there are competing citizen concerns, and it may seem like one's concern is lost. I find that some well made points can help firm up a wavering position. I do agree that a firm position held by an office-holder is unlikely to be swayed by constituent comments, but I've seen that happen, too.

[??????????]

Communication from constituents does matter, from what I've seen. One problem is that as the jurisdictio n gets larger, the number of concerns rises. Many times there are competing citizen concerns, and it may seem like one's concern is lost. I find that some well made points can help firm up a wavering position. I do agree that a firm position held by an office-holder is unlikely to be swayed by constituent comments, but I've seen that happen, too.

Our local town doesn't even believe in enforcing codes against the power company (they claim it's not their job), how can I trust them to be competent enough to enforce anything else?

[afleitch]

I've met and corresponded with George Galloway (shudder), my old MP Bill Tynan, met with George Roberstson, Donald Dewar, David McLetchie and Green MSP Patrick Harvie. So all Scots really.

[Michael Z]

I've met and corresponded with George Galloway (shudder)

How? When?

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

First 6

[MODU]

US Rep/US Senator

Text:  I've even posted their responses on this forum (even though it was a generic response).

In Person:  I've met with John Warner a few times over the years on various issues, primarily regarding the Jones Act.  I've met with little Dickie Durbin once back in 1987, but to be honest, I can't remember why.

In addition, I have a friend who is on the county board down here, and a former coworker who is a cabinet member of another country (also posted on here).