With so many bills in front of lawmakers, Utah residents can still voice their opinions to their legislators. The challenge comes in knowing that the state senator or representative gets the message.
Legislators are under a constant assault of information and knowing a few insider tricks will increase the likelihood of your opinion making it into debate, said Chris Bleak, spokesman for the Utah House of Representatives. Whether through e-mail, phone calls or actually going to Capitol Hill, messages that are short and to the point will get you noticed.
E-mail is generally agreed to be the easiest way to get one's point across, but several key items will increase effectiveness. Bleak said the quicker constituents can make their point, the better. He recommended focusing on one or two key points, briefly expressing an opinion and providing several ways for a legislator to respond if there are questions.
Missives have the most impact when the author is immediately identified as a constituent. Bleak recommended including a street address in every communication, which will help an individual's concerns rise above the hundreds of others legislators receive every day.
Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, recommended identifying yourself as a constituent in the subject line of an e-mail. Legislative interns have the task of filtering through hundreds of e-mails every day to find those from constituents, so if you do not identify yourself right away, chances are your message will not make it to your legislator.
Allen also likes receiving traditional mail, and said it tends to be undervalued in today's high-tech world. She reads every letter that constituents send to her home.
Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said he gets many e-mails that are signed with only a first name and include no other contact information, which gives the impression that the person is not open and willing to communicate. Stephenson says many times a quick phone call to the constituent could resolve any questions and save valuable time, instead of conducting a lengthy e-mail exchange. He also receives phone messages with no name and letters that have only return addresses on the envelope, which can often get misplaced.
"E-mail is probably quickest and most effective if it's not anonymous," Stephenson said. "What I'm pleading with constituents to do is to provide all contact information."
If you absolutely must see your legislator in person, you can try heading to Capitol Hill, though drawbacks can outweigh benefits, depending on when you go. Legislators and staff agree that a personal appearance shows incredible dedication to an issue and is sure to make an impact. The downside is that legislators might not have time to talk at length. The best time to make an appointment is at 11:45 a.m., right before both legislative houses conduct caucus meetings.
Bleak discouraged trying to contact your legislator during floor debate or committee meetings. They might miss the debate on an important issue or their chance to vote on a bill.
If you are unable to make contact with your legislator, Bleak says there are other options. He recommends talking with legislative staff and interns assigned to each legislator, who can pass along your message.
"These people are with them constantly," Bleak said.
Bleak himself often serves as a liaison between citizens and public officials.
"I tell the speaker [Rep. Greg Curtis, R-Sandy] things all day long that I hear from different people and different citizens," Bleak added.
If an issue you are passionate about does not resolve the way you want it to, don't despair. As soon as the session ends, work begins for the next session. Take advantage of spring, summer and early fall, which are not nearly as busy for legislators, Allen said. She also urged those with a consistent interest in politics to get involved in the party of their choice and attend the caucus. The relaxed atmosphere creates a perfect opportunity to get the issue reviewed by your legislator and have potential solutions evaluated, including new legislation, for the 2009 session.
kdrake@sltrib.com
