We'd love to coordinate efforts with your community group as well.
Many people don't contact their politicians because they are afraid of sounding dumb. You don't have to be an expert to express a concern. Here's some information to help you make contact with confidence.
Do...
...get to the point. Make your case quickly and clearly. ("I support ___" or "I oppose ___" and then "I feel this way because ___")
...provide contact information so your legislator can contact you with responses to your questions / concerns
...make contact as often as you like. An elected official's mandate is to represent your interests. There is nothing wrong with telling her / him what you think
...use personal examples. This makes your point easier to understand and relate to by putting a human face on a big issue. For example, "As a teacher, I see the problems caused by overcrowding in our schools everyday" or "My commute is 45 minutes each way. Traffic caused by overdevelopment is causing me to spend too much time in my car away from my family" or "The parents of my child's friends are also upset about the high rates of violent crime in Prince George's County."
Don't...
...be embarrassed to ask questions. The legislative process is incredibly complicated, especially as it relates to development. You can't possibly know everything!
...begin by screaming, making accusations, or threatening anyone. The person you are talking to will understand that you are upset or you wouldn't have called. It is okay to have strong feelings, but if you come off as totally irrational, no one will listen to you. Politicians are also well aware of your voting power. Constant reminders just annoy them
�say "I don't vote, but�" or "I'm not an expert, but�" or "I haven't lived here very long, but�" You live here now, and this person is your voice in our government. You don't have to be a rocket-scientist or lifelong resident to express a concern.
If you call...
...you will probably talk to a staffer before you speak directly with the elected official. This person should be treated as an extension of the politician.
Think about what you are going to say first. Make some notes so you don't forget anything. If you need some talking points, feel free to contact us for help
Have a pen in hand to write down any information they might have for you
If you write...
Don't know what to say? Here are some generic letters. You can either copy and modify them or just copy and send them as they are. Be sure to add your personal contact information
Proofread your letter carefully before you send it so that you are sure you've said everything you wanted to say as clearly as possible. Contact us if you need help
You don't have to use a business letter format, but here is an example of one if you'd like to
We object to the hearing schedule because they exclude almost everyone except builders, for whom attendance is actually part of their workday. It is very difficult for working people, whether they work in or outside of the home, to leave their work and come to a hearing.
Since the Planning Board's mandate is to serve the citizens of Prince George's county, not developers and builders, hearings scheduled in the evening would make more sense.
Can't make it? Click here for an alternative.