Do you know your state legislator? It's easy!

I admit that it took me a few years.  But I now know my state legislator, get his handy e-mail updates and even found a kid-friendly way to volunteer for him.  My 4-year old and I delivered flyers to neighborhood homes announcing a "meet the rep " coffee hour.  He had a ball and I actually felt involved. 

Who represents you in Salem?  Ben Cannon represents me (and everyone else in the 46th District) in the House. Besides the fact that I think he's smart (former Rhodes Scholar), did a great job in Salem his first term, and works really, really hard to communicate with his constituents, he and his wife had their first baby this summer, so HE'S A NEW PARENT.  How perfect is that?  As for the Senate, my Senator Avel Gordly is leaving the legislature after a long service there, so I'll be paying close attention to the election for her seat.  Once I find out when it is...

Even though the legislature's not currently in session (it convenes every two years and the most recent session ended in June), you can still get acquainted with your representatives by learning their names (for starters!), checking out their web sites, signing up for e-alerts and newsletters, etc... The Legislature's official web page has a super easy tool to locate your representatives, all you need is your address.  And, if your kids are ready to learn about the legislative process, there's a kids page.  Go ahead, start 'em, young.

Have you contacted your state legislator?  Attended any town hall meetings?  What'd you think?  Any luck?  Hope?  Stellar representatives out there?  Got advice for urbanMamas new to all this?

The folks in Salem represent us.  If they hear from their Mamastituents, they'll know just what we want.