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From time to time the need arises for you to write a letter to one of your elected officials. Below we have listed some advice to refer to when writing such a letter. Remember politicians are professionals so make your letter professional. In addition, your elected officials are there to listen to your thoughts and ideas. They work for all of us so don't hesitate to remind them.
To write a letter to the editor for the Bakersfield Californian (Click Here).
Tips for Writing to an Elected Official
- Be Brief: Keep your letter concise and to the point. Try to keep your letter to less than 500 words.
- Keep to One Topic: Keep your letter focused on one subject while hitting the three strongest points on that subject.
- Reference the Officials Position: Whenever possible, reference the elected official’s position on the issue so that you can either urge them to do more to support your cause or thank them for having done so.
- Personalize Your Letter: If you have a personal story that is relevant to the topic or have voted for or have met the elected official, be sure to mention it in your letter
Sample Letters to Council/Comission/Official/Editor
Dear Editor:
During the 2000 Campaign, Governor Bush made the following statement; “I support increased pay and better benefits and training for our citizen soldiers.” I assume that this statement includes Fire Fighters as well as police officers and military personnel, yet one of President Bush’s first acts was to slash funding for the FIRE Act.
In late February, the Mr. Bush zeroed out the program in his initial budget blueprint, saying it "does not represent an appropriate responsibility of the federal government." The FIRE Act would give local fire departments the ability to give their fire fighters the training and equipment needed to safely and effectively fight fires and provide rescue operations in their communities.
Maybe if President Bush served as a Fire Fighter for a day, then he would see that fully funding the FIRE Act DOES “represent an appropriate responsibility for the federal government,” since our entire profession is based on serving the taxpayers of this country without any biases.
I have been a Fire Fighter in this community for 10 years and I can tell you that I love doing my job, but if we are not given a chance to have appropriate training, equipment and better benefits, I can guarantee you that less people will become Fire Fighters and more people will run for office not understanding the needs of citizen/community soldiers.
I urge every citizen of this community to write, call, e- mail, fax President Bush and tell him that the Fire Fighters in this community deserve better. Fire Fighters deserve the chance to have appropriate training and equipment in order to serve and protect their communities. As a nation, we would never send our soldiers overseas under-trained and ill-prepared. We should not expect anything our domestic defenders.
Sincerely,
Frank Firefighter
IAFF Member
Local #
Sample Letter to Honorable Council or Commission
Address:
City, State, Zip
Dear ,
(Your name or organization), I am a tax paying, voting citizen. The issue of (your issue) is of my/or our most concern. (Your issue) and its devistating/positive effects are of biggest concern/or benefit. Take one to two sentences to elaborate on your issue and how it will affect you.
If you can take this time now to show how this will affect them or how this affect can be prevented/or supported.
We would appreciate your consideration (support for or against) this issue. If possible instruct them on any further documents you have attached explaining/or defending your issue.
Sincerely,
Your name or organization
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