Generally speaking, Legislative Aids (or LA’s as they are known) receive, open, screen and quite often answer emails; typically they also open and screen all snail mail. During session, Representatives and Senators are extremely busy and many times they will give the LA a quick quote on a specific bill to send out in generic form. How do I know this? I have an LA in the family.

A few things to consider when communicating with your legislator and/or LA:

1. The LA’s are in the office year round; they run the office and pretty much determine what their bosses see and don’t see. If your letter or email is abusive, threatening or vulgar, it will likely end up deleted or go directly to the round file. Treat the LA nice and you will likely be more successful in having your message seen or heard. If you are in Olympia, stop in and introduce yourself to the LA… a box of chocolates is always well received. If you can’t make the contact in person, try over the phone. Remember, be polite… the LA does not make or vote on policy.

2. The time to get to know your rep is NOT during session; between sessions, try for coffee or lunch and you will likely get more quality time and, during session, they are more likely to personally respond to your email due to the previous personal contact.

3. Have a point and get to it; short and succinct is better than long and rambling.

4. You don’t need to be politically savvy; you only need to know your issue and why you are for or against it.

5. Be patient, most of these folks are not familiar with the intricacies of fishing management… (most of us aren’t either).