HOW TO TALK TO YOUR LEGISLATOR

• Always be professional, courteous and polite.

• Let them know from the beginning why you are visiting/contacting them.

• Make your point concisely.  Their schedule is at least as busy as yours.

• Help educate them about the issues.  They have to make decisions on hundreds of issues each legislative session and they need credible information from you to help them with their decisions.  If you give them valid information, they will continue to use you as a resource in the future.

• Get to know your legislators background.  Acknowledge their professional and personal achievements and discuss common interest.

• Let them know if you are a constituent of theirs.  Elected officials are often more open to suggestions from a voter in their legislative district.

• Let them know if other constituents in their legislative district share your position, but do not exaggerate support for your position.

• Let them know if other government leaders and key interest groups share your position.

• Offer to arrange and conduct a tour of your fire station when they are not in session.  They will understand your position on issues to a greater degree when they see what you face on a daily basis.

• NEVER mix your issue with campaign financing.  Polical contributions do NOT “buy” political support.

• When asked a question, answer it briefly, but answer it.  Then restate your position.  If the question requires some research, say so, and be sure you get back to them.

• Finally, thank them for any work or assistance they have done on your behalf, or on behalf of the fire service in general.