SAMPLE BUSINESS OWNER LETTER TO SEND TO LEGISLATORS

The Honorable  [Senator / congressman-woman]                                                            June 3, 2006

 

Dear                              ,

I am the founder and owner of  [YOUR BUSINESS], the first [                                              ] company.  Each year [                    ] sells [    YOUR PRODUCT/AMOUNT          ]In the United States.  We sell a tremendous amount of [                                             ]in the Colorado, [   OTHER STATES - AREA     ] area, which is the same area that the Army is considering expanding into.  As an expert and industry leader in [    

                          ] and one that is involved intimately in the development of the future of the State of Colorado  I am greatly concerned of the potential effects of any expansion on the entire region.  I also find that I cannot emphasize enough the extremely negative economic impact any loss of grasslands and associated cattle production can make to our entire country.

I am asking for you to take a firm position against the loss of agricultural production that will occur if the Army is allowed to pursue its goals in southeast Colorado.  There will be no economic advantage for any of the four states mentioned, or the country by allowing the Army to take more land out of production.  Such an expansion will only succeed in destroying livelihoods and communities throughout Southeastern Colorado and will negatively impact the entire country in some form.  If not now then in the near future certainly.

I understand that Fort Carson is going to get 10,000 additional troops in the near future as a result of the base realignment and closure process (BRAC).  Those areas will enjoy an economic boost and those high population areas obviously carry a large number of votes.  I also understand the regardless of any Pinon Canyon maneuver site expansion those troops will be moved to Fort Carson.  The BRAC does not list any expansion effort so there will be no loss for Colorado or other areas unless the expansion continues.

We support our troops and their training.  Enlarging a training base however when the government already owns more than is necessary is just an abuse of power in the strictest sense.  Considering the modern mobility capabilities and the desire to train in realistic situations, other areas have better options for the Army without the loss of agriculture production.

Please advise me, and the rest of the country of your intent to help us by voting against any expansion and help by getting other Legislators to understand that any such expansion would be ill advised.  I trust you understand that the resulting destruction of families, businesses, towns, and cities is hopefully not a legacy that you or any of your co-legislators would desire. 

 

Sincerely,

 

YOUR NAME

YOUR BUSINESS

Your ADDRESS

PHONE