How to write a letter to an elected official

— from David Turnoy —

Things to do:

• Use Proper Salutation: Dear County Council Members Hughes, Stephens, and Watson.
• State your purpose: Calling for a moratorium on vacation rental permits while this subject is being studied, or another specific action.
• Make your letter personal: Relate actual effects of vacation rentals on your quality of life. 
• Support your stance: Give further details to support your position, give specific examples.
• If you voted for and/or donated to the official’s campaign, you can mention that.
• Make your request: Establish a temporary moratorium on vacation rentals, or another action.
• Remain professional and courteous: A polite and informative tone is best.  Be factual, not emotional.  The best letters are courteous, to the point, and include specific supporting examples.
• Keep your letter clear and concise.
• Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.
• Close your letter.
• Proofread.

Things to avoid:

• Do not “gush”.
• Do not express righteous indignation.
• Do not open with, “As a citizen and local taxpayer…”
• Do not use vulgarity, profanity, or threats.
• Do not demand a response. You may not get one no matter what, and a demand is simply another rude gesture that does little for your case.