Some Misconceptions About Elected Officials:

June 17-2007:

http://journals.aol.com/ecmimbari/MIMBARISVIEWPOINT/


The Mis-conceived View Of Meeting With Elected Officials:

I have been trained as an Advocate. I also attended several meetings with our elected officials, at the State, Local, and Federal levels.
And here are my observations:

* Most elected officials will not meet with advocates or constituents. They very often refer you to their Staff Officer.

* This refusal is based on several factors.

* Some elected officials say they are too busy with officials to meet 'face-to-face' with every constituent of advocate.

* Some say that it is best for the advocate to document their case or issues, and hand them to the Staff Officer at the respective office.

And wait for a call to an interview or appointment. (Which hardly ever comes).
* And most elected officials will hardly accommodate an advocate if he or she is not from their district.

* This conflicts with the understanding that all Americans or constituents are eligible for representation, regardless of whether they voted or not, for any elected official!

* Furthermore, I have found that most elected officials will make time, for any monetary or financial supporter to their campaign, if he or she needs to meet with them.

CONCLUSION:
The Internet is one of the ways to avoid this waste of time, money, and aggravation.

Sending faxes, and making telephone calls about urgent Bills that need to be addressed, are also another avenue to connect with elected officials.

And removing from elected office, any official who has failed to live up to promises, or the prescribed standards of integrity, availability, transparency, and delivery!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.