Email Samples

Suggested tips for emailing your city council members

• Know the council member that represents the ward that you live in and personalize the email

• Email all seven (7) council members to really get your view on this subject known

• If you do not hear back from a council member commit to resending follow-up emails. I recommend one email every one to two weeks until you get a response.

• Once you have a response, foster a positive/respectful relationship, try to learn their stance on this topic and take steps to persuade if in opposition.

• When you email our council members copy the City Manager, Christain Clegg, at admmgr@bakersfieldcity.us and Paul Johnson, in Planning, at devpln@bakersfieldcity.us

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Samples of short and quick emails

Dear Council Member ________:

Please support the “City of Bakersfield Backyard Chicken Initiative”. There is wide-spread backing to allow single resident home owners to own a small flock of hens in their backyards. What is your position on this topic?

Thank you,

(Your name here)

Dear Council member ________:

As your constituent, I encourage you to eventually vote in support for the “City of Bakersfield Backyard Chicken Initiative”. I am in favor of changing the current city ordinance to allow for the owning of hens as a backyard pet. What is your opinion on this topic?

Thank you,

(Your name here)

Dear Council Member ________:

Please take a moment to visit the Facebook page “City of Bakersfield Backyard Hens” and the web page “Bakersfield Urban Backyard Hens” at:    thebubh.wixsite.com/bubh

You will find factual and educational information regarding why so many cities in our nation and state are allowing single resident homes within city limits to own a limited number of backyard hens. Can I count on your support for this movement?

Sincerely,

(Your name here)

Suggestion for personal experience email

Dear ______:

I understand that a few people in the community may have concerns regarding changing the city’s ordinance that currently prohibits the owning of hens. I want to share my own experience and opinion with you.

(tell your story respectfully and clearly)

Thank you,

Dear Council Member ________:

I hope the topic I am writing to you about excites you as much as it does me. I am part of a growing community that is seeking to change the city ordinance to allow homeowners to maintain a small number of backyard hens. I want to share my positive experience with hens and my reasons why I look forward to any opportunity to get your support on this topic.

(tell your story respectfully and clearly)

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,