— 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.
Excellent comments. I am sure the recipients would agree wholeheartedly.
Curious: What is the reason people should not open with “As a citizen and local taxpayer”? Is it just too trite? I mean, why not identify oneself as such, if that is what you are? Asking for a friend… but I really want to know. It isn’t obvious.