The Legislative Session began on Jan. 9th. Many people will want to write to their legislators about different issues. I am Senator Swecker’s Legislative Assistant, and part of my job is to organize the hundreds of emails and letters that come through the office, so I would like to offer some tips on contacting your legislators.
Most importantly, include your name and address with all emails. If you do not include your address, it is impossible to know if you are a resident of the 20th District. Technology allows for people from all over the world to email about different issues. While it was interesting to read the opinion of someone in Southern California about a bill last year, she was not a resident of the 20th District. We get emails from not only all over the state, but from other countries, as well. The people of the 20th District expect their Senator to represent their opinions and values, not those from Seattle or someplace else. Include your address, so we know you are a constituent.
Many groups send out “blast emails” asking you to send in a form letter about a particular issue. It is important that you personalize your emails. There have been groups of emails that we’ve received in the past bearing false names and/or addresses. There was one that listed a friend of mine as the sender. I called to talk to her about the issue, and she said that she did not send the email; In fact, she did not even agree with the opinion stated in the letter. A few more phone calls confirmed it: none of the emails were from the supposed senders. It is sad that these groups send bogus emails because there might be a valid few mixed in with the others. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in the day to double check every single email that comes into the office. Since your opinion is important to your representatives, please send emails that are personalized.
Many constituents write just to express their views on a particular issue and the writer does not require an answer. Some ask for the Senator’s opinion on an issue. A person may also offer some suggestions about new legislation or a reform of some sort. Sometimes Senator Swecker can utilize one or more of these ideas in new legislation. Another reason a person may write is because of a problem they are experiencing with a governmental agency. We often assist people by providing information they need to resolve a situation with different agencies. Many people add a sentence in their letter that lets their Legislator know whether they desire a response. This is very helpful.
Everyone who takes the time to write to their Legislator is important, and their opinion deserves consideration. Since Legislators frequently get hundreds of letters and emails daily, please try to keep your message clear and concise.
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