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Users' Guide to Public Input
TIME AND PLACE OF THE MEETINGS 5:30 p.m., 1st and 3rd Tuesday (complete schedule) Legislative Chambers, second floor, County Courthouse, 320 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca Handicapped entrance is on south side of building (to the left as you face the front). Take elevator from the lower level.
SPEAKING TO THE LEGISLATURE 1. Your comments will be most effective if they are relevant to County government. If you are asking for a specific action, make sure the County oversees or is able to influence or take action on your issue. 2. Be on time. The meetings begin promptly and Privilege of the Floor comes near the start. Sign a blue card and hand it to any legislator to pass to the front. 3. Be prepared. The speaking limit is three minutes, so plan your message ahead of time. 4. Use the microphone. It provides room amplification and sound for the TV broadcast. Take time to adjust it so you are comfortable speaking into it, or ask for help adjusting it. Speak in a normal tone with your mouth 5 - 12 inches away from the microphone. Don’t hold onto the mic while you speak. 5. It’s okay to read a statement, but try to do it slowly and clearly and with some inflection. A message read too fast or in a monotone, no matter how well written, is not as effective. You are welcome to give the Legislators copies of your statement before you read it, and to include supplemental material. 6. Be brief and to-the-point. You will be held to the three-minute time limit, so use the time to say the most important things. Be polite and firm but not angry-sounding. Personal attacks or name-calling are not allowed. 7. If you are pointing out a problem, it may be effective to offer a solution. “And that’s why I’m asking for . . .” “I am telling you this because you can help by . . .” 8. If you are part of a group and the message is repetitive, you may want to limit the number of individuals who speak. It is arguably more effective to deliver the message and then indicate all who agree, rather than hold a filibuster. An option is to point out the others who hold similar views and ask them to stand for a moment. You can also have everyone sign a statement that you give to the Legislature. 9. If you have a question or want a response to your concerns, ask for a reply. The Legislature chair will address how that can be accomplished. Also, individual legislators may respond during their time for Privilege of the Floor, a bit later in the meeting. 10. Statements become part of the public record. Accuracy is assured if you provide a copy for the Clerk of the Legislature. You can also make a copy for each legislator and the senior executives (20 copies). OTHER MEANS OF PROVIDING INPUT A phone call to the Legislator for your district can be very effective. If you are not sure who represents you on the Legislature, call 274-5434. E-mail and letters are also effective. Most of the Legislators have e-mail addresses; regular mail can be sent to any or all of the members of the Legislature at 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. |
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