Here’s a Valentine’s Day Resolution: call your legislators. Let them know that you love, or are dismayed by, their policies.

Elected officials work for you, even if you did not vote for them. That’s how representative government works!

When you call, consider using the “4 B’s” approach:

1. Be prepared. Write brief notes to yourself which you can consult during the call.

2. Be specific. A “kitchen sink” list of complaints is less effective than mentioning 1-2 issues you support or dislike.

3. Be sure to include why you are personally interested in the topic.

And the fourth, most important “B”:

4. Be polite but be persistent.

If you call outside of business hours, leave a message, including your name, address, zip code, and phone number. Search the DC, Harrisburg, or local phone numbers of your mayor, senator, supervisor, House representative, council or school board member. Put those numbers in your phone. Use them often. (The White House comment number: 202-456-1111: Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., no message option).

Elected officials need to know that voters are paying attention. Call them if you support or disagree!

KATHLEEN O’CONNELL

Lemont

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom