As a citizen, it is your duty to voice your opinions to your elected representatives. You can influence our government by persuading members of your local and state government to take action regarding a cause/issue you have strong feelings about.
According to the Georgia Constitution of 83 there are 16 different services that the local government in Georgia can provide.
Police and fire protection
Garbage and solid waste collection and disposal
Public health facilities and services
Street and road construction and maintenance
Parks, recreational areas, programs, and facilities
Storm-water and sewage collection and disposal systems
Development, storage, treatment, purification, and distribution of water
Public housing/public transportation
Libraries, archives, and arts and sciences programs and facilities
Terminal and dock facilities and parking facilities
Codes, including building, housing, plumbing, and electrical
Air-quality control
The creation, modification, and maintenance of retirement or pension systems for local government employees
Planning, zoning, and community redevelopment
The 1993 law added to this list electric or gas utility services and street lighting, for a total of sixteen municipal services.
Objective:
Demonstrate how to responsibly participate in government and use knowledge of government structure and funding to conduct research surrounding the issue to write a letter to your local representative making them aware of the issue and proposing a possible solution
Complete:
You will write a letter to a local official drawing their attention to the issue and asking for their support.
All government services cost money. Your issue will cost money to address it. Your issue will use resources to research the possible sources of revenue that are available to pay for government services.
Your letter
Draft a persuasive letter that includes:
Describe the problem in great detail and how you feel about the issue
Propose a possible solution to the issue and describe an action you would like your representative to take to address your issue.
Make a compelling argument for the solution benefitting the community as a whole.
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Local Official's Name]
[Title]
[City/County Council]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Local Official's Name],
I am writing to bring your attention to a pressing issue that I believe requires immediate action from our local government. As a concerned citizen and resident of [City/County], I have observed a growing problem with the lack of adequate public transportation options in our community. This issue is not only impacting individuals who rely on public transportation for their daily commute, but it is also contributing to increased traffic congestion, pollution, and overall lack of accessibility for all members of our community.
The current public transportation system in [City/County] is limited and inefficient, leading to overcrowded buses, long wait times, and limited routes that do not adequately serve all areas of our community. This lack of accessibility to reliable transportation options disproportionately affects low-income individuals, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities, making it difficult for them to access essential services, job opportunities, and educational resources.
I believe that one possible solution to address this issue is to invest in expanding and improving our public transportation system. By increasing the frequency of bus routes, expanding the coverage area, and implementing innovative transportation solutions such as ride-sharing programs or bike-sharing initiatives, we can create a more sustainable and efficient public transportation system that benefits all members of our community.
I urge you to take action on this important issue by working with local transportation authorities, community stakeholders, and residents to develop a comprehensive plan for improving public transportation in [City/County]. By investing in our public transportation infrastructure, we can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, increase accessibility for all residents, and create a more sustainable community for future generations.
I respectfully request that you consider supporting funding initiatives and policy changes that prioritize the expansion and improvement of our public transportation system. By investing in this essential service, we can create a more equitable and accessible community that benefits all residents.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing about your plans to address this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]