News-Record.com

Want to gripe, cajole, coax, praise or plead with your friendly local state legislator in person? Guilford County residents will have two chances to do so this spring.

• March 30, 6 p.m., in Greensboro at the Melvin Municipal Building – the place most folks would call city hall. Directions here.
• April 13, 6 p.m., at High Point City Hall, , 211 S. Hamilton Street.

The shindigs are being organized by Rep. Maggie Jeffus, who this year is the chairman of the Guilford County delegation in the General Assembly. A release announcing the forums reads:

“This hearing titled, Take It To Raleigh, will provide an opportunity for the delegation to receive input from citizens about their concerns and issues, as well as provide opportunities to receive input from local municipalities and other entities representing Guilford County”, said Representative Maggie Jeffus, Delegation Chair.

…

Citizens are encouraged to come to either location to share their thoughts with the Guilford County elected members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Speakers will be given a limited time and are asked to call (919) 733-5191 to sign up. Organizations and individuals who need additional information are asked to contact Representative Jeffus’ office.

Having attended a number of these things over the years, expect a pretty packed house, although not over-flowing. Various groups will organize legions of presenters to get around the time limits imposed (usually in the 3-to-5 minute range) and to try and impress with numbers.

Some local government types will come out as part of a pro-forma thank you and to offer gentle nudges on certain issues. And there will be the odd assortment of folks who wanted to get something off their chest and saw the opportunity to do it.

All in all, short of shelling out for a spot at a fund raiser (or stalking the delegation like I do for my day job), this is one of the public’s best opportunities to get face-to-face with those who represent them in Raleigh.