A common desire of municipal leaders is to improve the quality of life in their communities. Local officials quickly realize upon election that so much of what happens within their own borders is directed by others outside of their jurisdiction, primarily the state legislature.
To be an effective leader in your hometown today, you must recognize the significant role the legislature and the other branches of state government play in regulating and funding the activities of local government.
Your municipal responsibilities must involve representing your community’s interests before the legislature. You must make your own opportunities in your hometown to influence legislative action that has an impact on your residents’ quality of life.
- Get to know your legislators
Don’t jump in with the heavy issues before you’ve gotten to know your legislators. If at all possible, your first contact should be in person, not by phone or letter. At that first meeting, find out what issues your delegation members are interested in and their political views. Give them the background facts on your community and your local government. You and your legislators have one important thing in common — you serve the same constituents. Each one of you are elected officials, dedicated to serving the public’s interest, not a special interest. Invite your legislators to city council meetings and important local events. - Build grassroots support
Make sure you keep your city residents and local businesses informed about legislative issues being debated at the State House. Explain the issues and have a periodic legislative report at council meetings. Also, make sure residents and businesses know what services the city provides. Write a column for your local paper or develop a newsletter describing and giving updates about the value of the services provided by your city or town. - Know the issues
Before you talk to your legislator, you need to know the facts about the issue. Look for information in materials provided by the Municipal Association, such as From the Dome to Your Home (the weekly legislative report), daily legislative tracking available during the session, the City Connect blog, the City Quick Connect and From the Dome to Your Home podcasts, Uptown newsletter, Cities Mean Business magazine and the website. Also, attend the Association’s legislative events, such as the Hometown Legislative Action Day and Regional Advocacy Meetings. - Express your opinion
Be prepared to present the municipal side of an issue firmly and succinctly. Be sure to identify the bill by number and subject (there are hundreds of bills introduced each session). Put the issue into your own words. Make sure you support your view with solid, specific examples from your community. Don’t exaggerate or overstate the facts. This will undermine your credibility. Be prepared to respond to counterarguments or alternative suggestions. - Ask for action
Ask your legislator to take specific action and ask for a reply. Let him or her know what action you would like taken. There is always something a concerned legislator can do and asking for a reply can help get a response. - Ways to contact
Don’t be afraid to visit your legislators in person. Get to know your legislator’s staff. Talking to a staff member who knows you is the next best thing if you cannot get your concerns directly to your legislator. If meeting with your legislator is not possible, you can contact him or her by phone, mail or email. - Make it personal
If you are writing a letter or sending an email, make it a personal letter written in your own words. Even though the Municipal Association may provide you with a sample letter, don’t use it word-for-word. Legislators pay more attention to a personal letter than a form letter. - Follow-up
After a meeting or phone call, write a follow-up letter. This gives you an opportunity to make your points again and say thanks for talking with you. Indicate you will be back in touch soon to check on progress. Keep the Association informed of your legislator’s position concerning bills of municipal interest. - Give credit and say thanks
Whenever a legislator supports your position, say thanks. Drop him or her a short note. Better yet, say thanks publicly in your hometown newspaper.