[Local-Maine-Schools] Dick Gould: Lobbying advice

[Dick Atlee]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Lobbying
Date: 	Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:39:23 -0500
From: 	RICHARD GOULD <perf3170rag at verizon.net>

Hi
I want to give you a few tips on lobbying legislators when you visit
Augusta.  If you know this already, use the delete button.
     1.  Wear a name tag clearly stating who you are and where you are from.
     2.  Seek out your representative and your senator and tell them why
you are there.
     3.  Be sure to talk with the committee members of the committee you
are dealing with.  *You can go to the House Clerk's office and get a
register that will tell you the members of the committee you are
visiting.  It will also give you a picture of each of them.*
         Be as brief as possible.  Give them the information you want
them to have.  Ask them what other information they could use from you
to help them make a decision.
         Follow up your visit with a call or with a letter.  Better
still, do both.  Ask them again how they intend to vote of the
particular issue you are interested in and if they need more info.
     4.  Be polite, but firm.  They work for us, not the other way
around.  *It is very important that Legislators know that their
constituents are watching them.  And remember, this year is an election
year.*