It would be helpful if those of us who have contacted our elected officials
could report on whether we received a response.
In my case, I contacted my state delegate almost exactly a year ago, with a
hardcopy letter plus several printed supplements. This received an email
reply, which led to a brief phone call and then a personal meeting, in which I
presented my concerns about a local protected area. I had years of personal
experience supported with a great deal of documentation.
Unfortunately, rather than advocate for my concerns to improve the
situation, my state delegate ended up advocating directly against me on behalf
of the state agency involved, and my personal credibility and integrity were
attacked by state conservation officials. The entire process took six or seven
months; most of the delay was due to indifference and broken promises from the
state delegate.
So in my case, the situation was made worse by the involvement of the state
delegate, because he gave the agency the imprimatur of his office to continue
with their systemic neglect. But my original hardcopy letter and its
supplements at least produced a reply, which I doubt an email or a fax would
have done. Sadly, in my case it only brought my concerns to a higher level of
dismissal and denial.
- J. A.
