Dear Editor: As an engaged citizen I often call my Congressional Delegation in D.C. to give them my opinion. This opportunity is our direct link to our federal government.
Regardless of your politics you should be able to contact staff directly at their offices.
Since January, I have generally called at least once per week to weigh in on legislation or federal actions. Since last summer no one answers the phone at Sen. Dan Sullivanʼs office. The calls go directly to voice mail. In contrast, I usually get a well-informed staffer at Senator Murkowskiʼs office and often get a staffer at Representative Begichʼs office.
Although I donʼt expect to reach a person every time I call, it has been seven months since a human answered the phone at Sullivanʼs D.C. office. I do not understand why our senator does not want to hear from his constituents and why he would have his staff listening to recordings instead of live calls.
Frustration can be high when leaving yet another messagel a human-to-human interaction is better for both sides of the call. I encourage everyone to be informed voters and reach out to our delegation when they go astray and also to thank them when they get it right.
Senator Sullivan, do better, it is not unreasonable to expect a direct interaction rather than voice mail. Senator Sullivan: 202-224-3004, Senator Murkowski 202-224-6665, and Representative Begich: 202-224-3004.
Thank you.
Tory OʼConnell Curran, Sitka
