Letter: Reader questions the responsiveness of state rep.

Have you ever emailed or called an elected official? Did you get a “real” response? Randy Railsback was my previous state representative and I contacted him on a few issues. He returned emails and we talked; he was willing to communicate and discuss issues, even if we disagreed. My new representative is Josh Hurlbert and I’ve found that he is much less skilled at communicating with constituents.

I recently contacted Representative Hulbert on some proposed legislation (changing current law) and asked for facts and data on what is “broken” to justify changes. I also requested how the new proposed law would fix the so-called problem. His email response included “feelings” and “opinions,” which wasn’t terribly helpful and gave me no assurance the legislation was actually needed. We know the say- ing, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

I replied and again requested he clarify with facts and data to support the need for this proposed legislation. No response. None. I have requested a response, both email and phone call, for over three weeks. Based on this avoidance, I must presume he cannot actually justify the proposed legislation “need” and his support of it. Tinkering with a law that has no well-defined “problem” seems unnecessary, no matter the subject. Bottomline, plan ahead, set your expectations low and if your opinion differs from Representative Hulbert’s, it’s possible you’ll be ignored. Wonder if he reads The Clinton County Leader?

Beth Franklin Plattsburg, Mo.