A simple phone call, a text, or an email is all it takes to let your legislator know your views. “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people” (Abraham Lincoln) involves the people—you and me.
Two “easy” methods for finding your legislative district are available. These are “easy” according to Scott Riding’s website, who was involved in the on-line mapping of the legislative districts.
For the visual learners, the Utah State website, at http://www.le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp will put you on a map that you can use to find your District. This can be fun if you like maps. Then, with your Utah House and Senate District numbers, go to: http://le.utah.gov/house2/representatives.jsp for contact information for your Utah representative or: http://www.utahsenate.org/aspx/roster.aspx for your Utah senator.
If you prefer to talk to someone on the phone, you can call your County Clerk’s office. They can look up contact information from the voting registration records, and tell you who your Utah legislators are and how to contact them. Weber County suggests you call 801-399-8034 with your name, address, and date of birth so that they can easily help you. In Box Elder County, a call can be made to the Clerk’s office at 435-734-3393. For emails to contact legislators or county officials in Box Elder County, County Clerk Marla Young suggests that the County website under Clerk/ Elected Officials is also good. Election official, Jennifer Morell in Weber County also suggests vote.utah.gov as an excellent resource.
Each legislator has a preferred way to communicate. For example, Representative Ryan Wilcox, who represents House District l7, which includes North Ogden and Pleasant View, except the far Western part, lists his cell phone number: 801-200-5595. A text message is a good way to contact many legislators—especially those of younger to middle age years. If you want to speak with them or meet them personally, it’s best to plan ahead for a week or two in advance.
Making contact early is best. Just like the rest of us, they respond better when you’ve spent some time to develop a relationship with them. Also, early in the legislative session is the easiest for them—before they become too busy. If you want to see them in action or meet them at the Capitol, that is a real possibility, and most of them will take time to say “hi” if they can. They might even arrange to have you sit by them when they are working on the floor of their chamber, as my senator, (Christensen) did for me one time. They also appreciate your willingness to put forth ideas and help them help you as my representative (Perry) told me.
Your elected officials have told me that they appreciate contact from their constituents, and all seem grateful for the opportunity to serve!
Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox, Email: ryanwilcox@le.utah.gov
Cell Phone: 801-200-5595
Rep. Lee B. Perry, Email: leeperry@le.utah.gov
Home Phone: 435-734-2864
Cell Phone: 435-720-7838
Sen. Allen M. Christensen, Home Phone: 801-782-5600, Email: achristensen@le.utah.gov
Sen. Peter C. Knudson, Cell: 435-730-2026, fax 435-723-6371, Email: pknudson@le.utha.gov
Sen. Scott K. Jenkins, Home: 801- 731-5120, work: 801-621-5412, Email: sjenkins@le.utah.gov
