By Chuck Hassebrook, chuckh@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs
It's election year and the perfect time to talk to candidates about critical rural issues. An elected official is most likely to make a commitment to you when seeking your vote. So seize the opportunity. Commitments are harder to get after the election.
There are a few simple steps you can take. None requires detailed policy knowledge or expertise.
First, tell them who you are - a voter in their district and current or potential constituent. That gives you credibility. If you are an elected official, farmer, community developer, community volunteer or small business person - tell them that too.
Ask for a commitment. If you want Congress to cap payments to mega farms and invest in rural development, conservation and beginning farmer programs, first tell them what you want. But don't stop there. Ask them, "Will you promise to support funding for rural development?" or whatever else you request.
Finally, establish a personal relationship and follow-up. Stay after the formal meeting to shake the candidate's hand, thank him/her for coming and provide your business card or your name and address scribbled on a scrap of paper. Ask who on their staff you should contact when the issue comes up in the future. When it does, get back to that person and, if you got a commitment, tell them.
You can make a difference. It takes a little effort, but you can do it. Campaign season is the best time to extract a commitment from an elected official to support good legislation.
