Has anyone ever emailed or written to a..

**Missy** · 02-27-2009, 07:48 PM

government official ... and gotten a real person response? I have written before to a local who was running for office, and i got back a form letter replied by one of many office staff. That was long ago. I emailed another govt official today and wondered if anyone has ever gotten a reply from one of them that you believe was actually composed by them.

**Milly** · 02-27-2009, 09:04 PM

I've never gotten anything from any email I've sent except a 'form letter', so now I telephone their offices and that seems to elicit a better response.

So many of the emails they get are form letters, too. I get emails all the time along the lines of "Let your Congressman know how you feel. Click here to send an email." I never do. I always call.

The amount of response you get also depends on the individual congressman and if they're Federal or State. I've called the offices of state representatives and been immediately connected with senior staff, who are truly interested in solving a constituant's problems.

Basically, like everything else having to do with government, it's a crapshoot.

**mombottoo** · 02-27-2009, 09:29 PM

I'm pretty sure I drive my state congressman & woman up the wall sometimes. Yes, I have gotten personal responses from both of them...I was also able to talk with my congresswoman in person at my home.

They both are very good about listening and even though we may not agree on everything I sincerely believe that they both feel they have their constituents best interest at heart.

Federal wise...I have received a personal response from my senator and tend to get form letters from our representative...although he does hold some pretty cool townhall conferences via phone that I have participated in...one just the other night.

**MommyBliss** · 02-28-2009, 12:32 AM

I've only gotten a standard response they send everyone else.

**Thevail** · 02-28-2009, 12:44 AM

I've gotten real responses from state officials now and then. A lot of form letters too though. I too tend to call, and sometimes make an appointment to call them and actually speak to them when they have time.

**cmdarlin** · 02-28-2009, 07:43 AM

We called our congresswoman when DH was denied twice for his social security. She got involved for us and the 16 month process our lawyer told us it would take, got shortened to 4 months. Only problem there is it pissed off the lawyer and yes, he got his hearing but now they are sending him elsewhere for more evaluations. Its like they don't believe he has MS.

Debbie

**joyofsix** · 02-28-2009, 08:06 AM

Don't get me started.
My Rep -form letter
My R Senator-real people do answer the phone, he seems responsive, I've never contacted without some response
My D Senator-no answering machine so no phone, no response to letters or e-mails. Grrrr. He sure seems sure of himself. He doesn't even need his constituents opinions! Grrr. Of course, his daddy was a sen so he gets to keep his job for life dontcha know.