OP-ED: Why elected officials need to hear from you
Courtesy of Matthew Dowling
Public trust in government is low, political divisions are deep, and many people feel powerless to influence decisions that affect their daily lives. But even in the face of frustration and fatigue, advocacy remains essential. Elected officials need to hear from their constituents – especially now.
During my time in public service, I saw how decisions in Harrisburg weren’t just shaped by data or party lines, but by the voices of everyday people – when they spoke up.
Not all advocacy is constructive. From the first day I took office, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) made me feel unwelcome. Not based on my record – because I hadn’t cast a single vote yet – but simply because I had an “R” after my name.
I tried to build a relationship. I scheduled meetings, visited schools, and supported increased education funding, school safety programs, and career and technical education. It didn’t matter. The judgment had already been made.
That wasn’t advocacy. That was political gatekeeping.
Despite resistance, I kept showing up. I continued supporting students and advocating for policies that helped them because I was elected to serve everyone. That’s what representation should be.
And that’s why your voice matters. Advocacy doesn’t belong only to insiders or well-funded groups. It belongs to you. Whether it’s roads, schools, health care, taxes, or jobs, your story can make a difference.
You don’t need to be a policy expert. You just need to speak from the heart about what matters in your community.
When done respectfully and consistently, it works.
Make the call. Send the email. Be heard.
If you’ve never contacted your representative, now is the time. Share your perspective. Let them know you’re paying attention.
Here are three Fayette County leaders you can contact:
Sen. Pat Stefano (32nd District):
Harrisburg: 717-787-7175; Connellsville: 724-626-1611; email: pstefano@pasen.gov/.
Rep. Ryan Warner (52nd District):
Harrisburg: 717-787-1540; Connellsville: 724-437-1105; email: rwarner@pahousegop.com.
Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (51st District):
Harrisburg: 717-783-5173; Smithfield:724-438-6100; website: www.repgrimmkrupa.com/.
Even a single phone call or email can make a difference. Offices track constituent input. When enough people speak up – whether in support or opposition – officials take notice.
Many express political frustrations on social media, but rarely follow up directly with decision-makers. While public discourse matters, Facebook comments and tweets rarely lead to policy change. Phone calls, emails, and visits do.
Silence is often mistaken for agreement. If you disagree with a direction, speak up. If you support something, say that too. Constructive advocacy builds bridges and strengthens democracy.
We deserve a government that’s responsive and respectful, but that only happens when people stay engaged and hold leaders accountable year-round, not just during elections.
Let’s move past noise and partisanship. Let’s raise the standard for representation and remind officials that we’re watching, we care, and we expect to be heard.
Because when enough voices speak with clarity and purpose, leaders listen.
Matthew Dowling was a three-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He can be reached at Matthew@AmplifyPA.com.