1-800 Numbers For Elected Officials? A Necessity.

In a recent letter to the editor printed in a major Mid-Western newspaper, a reader proposed that the city government install a toll free number for complaints about potholes and other highway and traffic problems. It’s a good suggestion.

All municipalities, regardless of size, should obtain a toll free number. Taxpayers should not have to pay to reach out to their elected officials with a complaint or suggestion, especially in smaller communities where residents rely on their officials to deal with everyday concerns and quality of life issues.

Plenty of federal government agencies have toll free numbers—the social security administration and FEMA for example. But it’s not as common to see this option offered by small town governments and city officials. Resident input is essential to improving services. Municipalities with a 1-800 number are bound to benefit from this vital link to the community.

Another letter recently appeared in a community newspaper at a popular resort town in the Carolinas. A woman on vacation noticed that the public restroom facilities were filthy. She lived 1,000 miles away and had no idea who to complain to. When she returned home, she researched online and found the name of the Park Commissioner. However, she decided against making the pricey long distance call. Instead, she wrote to the editor of the community’s newspaper. By the time the complaint appeared in print, weeks had passed by.

If officials in that popular Carolina beach town had a 1-800 number advertised at their parks and beaches, they could have been informed of the problem, and then resolved it immediately.

Taxpayers deserve an easy, reliable connection to their elected hometown representatives. Every city and county government should contact a toll free service provider like Tollfreenumber.ORG and set up a 1-800 number for their constituents.