Communications with officials urged

The government only has one boss, and it is you.

Every election, leaders are selected by the public to represent the needs of their constituents. However, if elected officials are not hearing from the public on a regular basis, they may not know what the people who elected them expect.

Jeff Dixon, a volunteer at the Salt Lake Community College Writing Center, says that it is imperative people communicate their thoughts to elected officials because the decisions the officials make aren't trivial. From civil rights to water rights, the government can influence how people live and work, and every year governments from city councils to the Legislature implement more laws that impact people in very real ways.

For anyone itching to exercise their First Amendment rights, there are myriad ways to begin a dialogue with those you've elected. Endorsed methods include hand-written letters, e-mail, a phone call or even a scheduled appointment if the situation warrants it.

The writing center extends free workshops for those looking to write more effectively and can help edit so arguments are more pronounced. Dixon said the top priority at the center is to provide feedback and help writers organize their thoughts.

"We want people to write letters because they vote and then they sit on the sidelines for a few years," Dixon said. "Letters get people involved and active and they can impact any issue you can think of."

A good editor can help budding writers avoid pitfalls such as using a disparaging tone, citing fallacious information or even something excusable like a misplaced modifier. Dixon suggests that people remember to use an active voice with simple sentences to communicate most effectively. Regardless of skill level or some innate talent toward the written word, Dixon said it's important people share their wishes with those they've elected.

The time is always right to share your opinions, although there are some times that are better. On Capitol Hill, for example, the best time for anything that is not urgent is the time between general sessions, known as interim. Legislators only meet monthly, so their ability and willingness to learn about a topic is greater.

On the city and county level, summer months tend to be slower than the winter months, when the elected officials may be grappling with budget issues.