There has been considerable comment on the guidelines that I as a
Legislator
should follow in communicating to the public via vision 2020. Jo
William's
set of guidelines are ones that I've tried to follow in the past. Here
are some
of the guidelines I've tried to follow:
1. Report legislative news and issues in a descriptive and
informative style.
My comments and stance will be reported where appropriate with a
specific
issue. I try to be as objective as possible.
2. Utilize Vision2020 to solicit public input and comments on
legislative issues
and matters. (This week I received 115 e mail messages on
issues). I
answered 65 individual messages plus phone calls, faxes, and
letters.
Public input is crucial. I've used many e mails in committee
meetings and
shared comments with our delegation from District 5 and other
legislators
and public officials.
3. Campaign information and preaching from the pulpit is something I
try to
avoid, and I'm putting this type of information in my home page.
Bert Cross
indicates that I let some bias creep in with my comments, but then
that is in
the eye of the beholder. We have a two party system, and full
discussion of
the issues should be available through whatever the media.
4. Outreach--my newsletter goes to the 124 or so visionaries and about
100
additonal citizens in District 5. I've received requests to send
25 copies by
mail to citizens who do not have e mail.
5. Encouraging other elected officials to communicate with the public by
e mail--
This has been extremely disappointing. I've talked to many state
legislators
and public officials. I've even shown them how to set up
newsletters and
home pages and my batting average is zero. Many think it is a
great idea--
but so far no one else is utilizing this very effective
communications form.
Again, the discussion of this issue is very valuable.
Rep. Tom Trail