[PaQSO] Letters to legislators

[Ron Notarius W3WN]

Hi Carmine,

Been quite awhile since I had to call you at work about the north of town
cop (Ferguson Twp I believe) who confiscated my 2M HT because some kids had
stolen a police Motorola HT...

I emailed both the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and my local
Representative, Matt Smith (who, as it turns out, is also on the Committee
and is also on the Democratic caucus).  Outside of a stock "thank you for
your input" email, nothing.  No response from my phone call to Rep. Smith's
local office, either.

Has anyone heard anything about HB1777 out of Harrisburg today?

73

-----Original Message-----
From: paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Carmine W Prestia Jr
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 10:23 AM
To: paqso at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [PaQSO] Letters to legislators


Ron, et al.:

> -----Original Message-----
>
>
>    1. FW: Immediate Action Requested for PA Antenna Bill
>       (Ron Notarius W3WN)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> On suggestion, though:  If you choose to contact your State
> Representative,
> as I hope all Pa Hams will do, please use these "form letters" as
> templates,
> and phrase it in your own words.  If it looks like a "form letter bomb"
> campaign, it can be explained away or ignored.  But if it looks like
> YOU are
> speaking, and the result is hundreds or thousands of different emails,
> it
> will have a lot more effect!
>
>

Ron is quite correct in his advice about "form letters."  Legislators will
often minimize them because they don't really represent independent
constituent thought.

Given that the action in the House has to happen within the next few days I
would recommend that you take a few moments to call your Representative's
office by PHONE.  You probably won't get to talk to him/her directly but you
can certainly leave a message with the staff about how important this is to
you, a constitutent, that the Rep votes a certain way and why.

Legislative staff are expected to at least summarize these ideas to the
Representative so they have a good feel for what we are thinking.  If you DO
get to talk directly to the Representative all the better.

Also, don't make the mistake of thinking, "Oh, I already wrote to him."  A
follow up call emphasizing that you wrote and are still watching is even
more powerful.


Carmine W. Prestia, Jr., K3CWP
Nittany Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Centre County, PA ARRL Emergency Coordinator
Centre County, PA RACES Radio Officer




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