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Respect the institution – the government, the legislature, the
governor’s office, the
political/legislative process. It may not be perfect;
but belittling it, rather than working
to change it, will not make it more effective.
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Respect the position if not the person. Voters
elected legislators. They may not all
meet one’s personal standards for being a legislator, nor will
they necessarily hold the "right" view on the
vital issues; but treat each legislator with respect.
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Know and use legislators’ proper titles – senator,
representative, governor – and
address written correspondence appropriately. When speaking
to a legislator, let
the situation dictate the form of address. While one
may be on a first name basis in an
informal setting, in public a legislator should be addressed
with his or her formal title.
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When calling on government officials, dress appropriately. Formal
meetings call
for professional (business) attire, as do appearances
before committees.
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Know the issues, the pros and the cons. Legislators are busy people,
and few have
time for long-winded explanations. Be able to explain
the matter at issue concisely and
clearly.
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When dealing with the sponsor of a bill of interest, be
clear in expressing
concerns. Know the sponsor’s positions in order
to respond directly to them. Know
the points on which compromise will be acceptable.
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When testifying, always thank the committee chair and
the committee for the
opportunity to present your position, even if they disagree
with your position.
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Attack the issue, never the person.
hou shalt not lie to thy legislator. Thy sins will find thee out
and thou shalt nevermore by believed by them
hou shalt not forget to thank thy legislator for their help. Ingratitude
turneth away a legislator as surely as a soft word turneth away wrath.
hou shalt not ignore thy legislator between sessions. Seekest thou
them only in thy hour of need and thou may find them deaf to thy pleas.
hou shalt not be hypercritical of thy legislator's voting on any bill.
Alienate them not as thou shalt surely need them on another occasion.
hou shalt not hesitate to praise thy legislator for their good works.
They runneth for office and all kind words are as manna from heaven.
hou shalt not insist thy legislator desert their party on important party
policy. Verily, an excommunicated legislator serveth no one well.
hou shalt not fail to recognize the importance of thy legislator's office.
One who maketh another feel important maketh a lasting friend.
hou shalt not forget thy legislator too hath problems and sometimes needeth
help. Bread cast upon the waters returneth hundredfold
hou shalt not become completely partisan. Thou must be prepared to
live with either party, and sometimes thou must liveth with both at once.
hou shalt not nit pick. Heckle not thy legislator with
insignificant matters and they will heareth better thy counsel on important
ones.
