COUNTY OFFICIALS
CALL, WRITE, OR EMAIL
When reaching out to your legislator, it's important to address them by their title and identify yourself as their constituent by providing your address.
Always write and speak in your own words. Keep things short: Be clear about what you're talking about (e.g. refer to a bill by its exact number) and be precise when asking your legislator to do something specific.
Connect yourself to your issue or opinion with a quick personal story or example of your expertise.
STATE SENATORS
Alburgh, Bakersfield, Berkshire, Enosburgh, Franklin, Fairfield, Highgate, Georgia, Richford, Sheldon, St. Albans City, St. Albans Town, and Swanton
Franklin District • View Map
Sen. Randy Brock R
Sen. Robert Norris R
Fairfax
Franklin District (View Map)
Sen. Randy Brock (R)
Sen. Robert Norris (R)
Sen. Irene Wrenner (D)
Lamoille District (Fletcher)
Sen. Richard Westman (R)
Orleans District (Montgomery)
Sen. Robert Starr (D)
STATE HOUSE REPS
Franklin-1 (Fairfax, Georgia)
Rep. Ashley Bartley (R)
Rep. Carolyn Branagan (R)
Franklin-2 (St. Albans Town)
Rep. Eileen Dickinson (R)
Franklin-3 (St. Albans City)
Rep. Michael McCarthy (D)
Franklin-4 (Sheldon, Swanton)
Rep. Thomas Oliver (R)
Rep. Matt Walker (R)
Franklin-5 (Berkshire, Franklin, Highgate, Richford)
Rep. Lisa Hango (R)
Rep. Wayne Laroche (R)
Franklin-6 (Bakersfield, Fairfield, Fletcher)
Rep. James Gregoire (R)
Franklin-7 (Enosburgh, Montgomery)
Rep. Allen "Penny" Demar (R)
Franklin-8 (St. Albans City / Town)
Rep. Casey Toof (R)
Chittenden-Franklin (Georgia)
Rep. Christopher Mattos (R)
Rep. Chris Taylor (R)
WRITING LETTERS
"LETTERS TO THE EDITOR"
Folks listen to people they trust, and people trust their neighbors. A short letter sent to your local paper, Front Porch Forum, and Facebook Group can really affect how people see an issue.
Always remember: Your voice matters.
WRITING TIPS
Stick to one subject.
Keep it short: Short sentences, short paragraphs, and simple, short words. Most people can read about 250 words in a minute — aim for that.
Connect yourself to the person, issue, or article to establish credibility (ex: "I grew up with Jane in Berkshire and...").
Be yourself. People resonate with an authentic person. Avoid jargon and acronyms.
Stick to the facts.
A personal story or anecdote makes your issue real for readers.
If you have unique insight or credibility on your subject, mention that (ex: writing a letter about school funding as a retired teacher).
Be positive, honest, respectful, and constructive. People appreciate positivity: Offer solutions and avoid attacking people with different opinions.
End by telling the reader to do something: "Vote for..." or "This website has a lot of good information..."
Double-check your writing. Proofread!
WHERE TO SHARE
Front Porch Forum
Sign up for FPF where you live or work. Read their guidelines here.
Facebook Groups
As Facebook replaces local papers, many people rely on one or two town Groups for their news. Consider sharing your letter in these groups. Be sure to read the group rules first.
Newspapers
Local newspapers typically have a form or email address you can submit your letter to. Names are required, and you may be asked to share contact information to confirm you are the author.
St. Albans Messenger (guidelines)- You can either submit your letter with this form or email it directly to elynn@orourkemediagroup.com.
VTDigger (guidelines) - Send letters to the editor directly to letters@vtdigger.org.
TALKING TO NEIGHBORS
Conversations about politics neighbors can be hard. And it's entirely natural to feel flustered, angry, or deflated when confronted with opinions that are different from our own.
Build the skills and confidence you need to face challenging conversations of all kinds. Dive into "Deep Conversations," courtesy of the Waldo County, ME Democrats and Dirtroad Organizing: