Links to voice your opinions.

Here is my math.

One form letter/card is woth 10 signatures on a petition

One personal* email is worth 10 form emails/cards

*Personal letters/emails are to the point and written in your own words. Although you can use phrases that you read in orginizational position documents or the newspaper it is better if it comes off as your own thoughts. They do not have to be long they just have to be in your own words.

One personal* letter is worth 5 emails. Hand written works well.

One phone call to a State Employee is worth 2 personal emails, especially if the matter is not before the Commission. It is worth MINUS 5 emails if you are rude. You should still send a letter or email.

Showing up at a public hearing and speaking your mind has a value from 10 letters to minus 5 letters depending on your level of knowledge of what you are saying and the mood of the Committee or Commission. Remember do not say things that you are not sure are correct. One false statement negates 5 to 10 true statements. If you are rude or exibit negative emotions about the other side, it will just turn them off completely. Show the impact to you and yours.

One personal phone call to a state representive or Commissioner is worth 3 personal* letters. Make that 5 if there is a followup email or letter thanking them for their time and reminding them of your position. Threats of not voting for them or being rude will insure that they go against what you want.

One personal visit to YOUR legisltor locally is worth 3 calls and follow up letters.

One personal visit to YOUR legislator's office in Richmond is worth 10 calls and nice letters. Make sure you have a written document stating your views and why when you show up. Also send them a thank you note the next day.

Opinions about committee matters at the legislture are often formed in advance. If you want to influence them speak to your legislator and the committee members early and often. Better yet talk to the bill's patron well in advance of any committee meeting. If the matter is borderline speaking at the committee meeting can help. If you have support from some of the committee members speak at the meeting and review what you are going to say with the committee members who support your views in advance of the meeting.

So that is my take on public input.

Tom

PS. The I still have not figured out the value of sending letters to the Secretary of Natural Resources or the Governor. However, I don't think that it hurts your position on most matters if you do not abuse it.