Editor:
Thank you, Sue Carson, for writing about connecting with me as your MP (Coast Reporter letters, May 17).
You raised a challenge that is typical of any elected official -how to serve a large number of people, whose demands and desires may be unlimited, though we operate within a limited budget.
My first response to this situation is the operation of four busy offices, in the Sunshine Coast, North Shore, Powell River and Ottawa. Only 17 out of 308 MPs have to run that many offices.
I travel relentlessly within the riding, doing my best to interact with constituents one-on-one: in town hall meetings, coffee shops, public announcements and attendances at local council meetings, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs and other gatherings.
You will be interested to know that we receive on average around 3,200 emails monthly from constituents. We also handle phone calls, meetings and letters that arrive by mail. We also try to communicate with our constituents by responding to media inquiries, posting information on our ever-changing website and through Facebook and Twitter. I welcome you and other constituents to sign up for our e-news by going to our website: www.johnweston.ca.
One example of our communications is the flyer I delivered to your door in recent days, which discusses issues relating to health and fitness and the economy and some of the actions I have taken, inspired by my constituents. Feedback to such communications keeps me informed of the priorities of our people. It was non-partisan and positive.
I am truly sorry if our response to your email was not delivered in a timely manner. We are always looking for ways to improve our systems and hope that you will see the results of steady improvement in our delivery of services.
John Weston, MP, West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country
