Letters & eMails
Citizens are only granted ten minutes or so to make their case at public hearings. Letters and emails sent before the hearing can have a big impact by raising concerns in advance.
Letters Work!
To make a difference, citizens must enlist the support of decision-makers in City and County government. One of the most effective ways to do this is with short, personal, handwritten letters addressed to these folks at their homes, asking for their help. This is especially true for City Council members.
Emails are very effective with Planning Commissioners, but letters seem to be more effective with City Council members.
Contact Info
See these pages for contact info:
Pointers
- Keep it brief: half a page.
- Keep it personal, with a community focus.
- Keep it straightforward; irony or sarcasm can be misleading.
- Keep it positive.
- Ask for (don't demand) their help and support.
Sample Letter
Dear Mr./Ms. ____,
I live at (street address) in southwestern Durham, and I'm writing to ask for your help and support regarding Rezoning Case # ___.
A developer has applied to rezone a __ acre parcel (where) from ___ to ___. I believe this rezoning would be a step in the wrong direction for southwestern Durham. Here's why.
(pick two or three reasons, and give each one a short sentence or two.)
This rezoning application will soon come up for a vote at City Council. I plan to be at that meeting, and I hope I can count on your support. My neighbors and I would welcome a development plan that would address our concerns. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
________
(and also print your name, street address, and phone number)