CLCA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Mission Statement
CLCA serves and protects the interests of its members, promotes professionalism, and advances public awareness of the landscape industry.

• Responses to letters are by subject, a legislator may have a different staff person for each subject, therefore its important to limit a letter to one subject.

• Personal letters have the greatest impact, a form letter generally gets answered with a form letter. Personal responses are more likely when the constituent writes in his or her own words. Hand write it if possible, but make sure that it is legible.

• Identify yourself. Mention your professional status and stress that you are the legislator’s constituent. Use your address that is in the district, whether it is your home or office.

• Be personal and sincere. Your own personal experience may be the most effective argument. If possible, show the legislator how the bill will affect you or your business. Share your expertise of your industry with them.

• Be polite, professional, and to the point. Do not make threats, wild, unsubstantiated assertions, faulty facts or profanity. Keep the letter to one page if possible. Ask for their support!

• If you don’t get an answer, write again and ask why. Those letters usually receive attention, especially if you include a phone number.

• Don’t burn your bridges, compromise is a way of life in the legislature. If you legislator disagrees with you on one issue, he or she may support you on another. Thank them for their effort.

• E- mail is an acceptable way to contact your legislator, you can find their addresses elsewhere in this section.

• Many legislators read at least part of their mail personally in order to gauge public sentiment back in the district. Generally, the mail isn’t as heavy mid-week, so that may be the best time to send it.

• Always make sure your name and address are on your letter, as well as your envelope.

Sample Form Letter

Date:

The Honorable (Legislator’s full name)

California State Assembly

P.O. Box 942849

Sacramento, CA 94249-0001

Re: Senate/Assembly Bill ‘number’ (author’ name, eg. Sher)

Dear Assembly(wo)man / Senator ‘last name’

I am writing to express my support for SB 1267 by Richard Polanco, which would encourage manufacturers to develop quieter leaf blowers by requiring that the equipment………….

I own and operate a maintenance company in your district that employs 14 people and leaf blowers are an indispensable tool for our business because……..

SB 1267 addresses the noise issue without harming small businesses and our employees. For this reason I hope I can count on you to vote "yes" when the bill is heard by the Senate/Assembly. Please let me know how you plan to vote on this bill.

Respectfully yours,

(your name)

(your title)

cc: California Landscape Contractors Association