Contacting Your U.S. Representative

Contacting Your U.S. Representative
Mar 4, 2005

Recently it has come to my attention that there are organizations that are taking advantage of residents of Ohio's Third District, particularly our senior citizens. They are sending direct mail letters asking people to join a specific group by making a contribution, which the small print mentions is not tax-deductible. In exchange for the donation the organization sends back a form letter, which the person can then sign and send back to their elected officials. This appears to be the extent of what the person receives for joining the organization.

My office receives hundreds of these letters, from time-to-time, on such hot-button issues such as Social Security, broadcast indecency, and the Federal Marriage Amendment. Although there is nothing illegal about the practice, it is at best a questionable procedure and at worst, unethical to cause people to believe they are part of an organized lobbying effort when they have only been provided with a form letter to send to their elected representatives.

I appreciate hearing from the people I was elected to represent. Nobody needs to pay more than the price of a stamp to make their views known to me. The rest of this week's column is dedicated to the methods people living in the district cam use to share their views with me.

The first step is to be sure you are writing to correct the Representative. If you are not certain, you can check on the House web-site at www.house.gov/writerep

Timing is also important. When writing about a specific bill, it is critical that I know the opinions of the district before the vote. Due to new security procedures in place at the Capitol, letters mailed via the U.S. Post Office may take several weeks, or more, to arrive. Faxes or emails are the timeliest way to send written opinions. My website at www.house.gov/miketurner has a link for sending emails directly. The fax number at my office in Washington D.C. is 202-225-6754. If you are sending a letter please be sure to include your name and a return address. Letters may be sent to:

Congressman Mike Turner
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Rest assured that I keep the views of each person in mind. For every person who writes, there are thousands more who share their point of view. Ideally, letters are either typed or neatly penned. The strongest letters are usually no more than a page and stick to one topic. Write more than once but keep each letter to one topic.

In the opening paragraph it is helpful to state your name and your reason for writing. Next, please state your opinion with any supporting evidence. Include a relevant personal experience if possible. If you are aware of a specific bill number, please include it in the final paragraph.

The ability to communicate with your representative in Washington is one of the most fundamental principles toward making democracy work. Banding together with other like-minded people is a longstanding tradition. However, nobody need pay some one else to utilize their free right to communicate with me or any of their elected representatives.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/oh03_turner/Contact_Rep.html