Representative Ann Pugh's Reply

A few days ago I wrote a letter to a representative in my area who was soliciting her vote door-to-door in an explicitly marked NO Solicitation, NO Distribution of Literature zone -- the place where I live.

You can find that letter here.

It wasn't long after I sent the email that I got a reply, which I wanted to post here for everyone in the world to read:

Dear Mr. Mossey,

Thank you for your email. I regret that I have annoyed you with the door-to-door campaigning. No disrespect was intended. Campaigning locally and door to door has been a time-honored Vermont tradition which gives people, who might not otherwise, the opportunity to meet and talk with the people who represent them and who want to represent them and to ask questions and share their concerns. When the no soliciting sign first went up at Treetops, I asked board members if it applied to campaigning during the political season. They gave me permission to do so, in part I believe, because door to door campaigning has long been a tradition in Vermont, and partly because candidates aren't selling anything or asking people to buy or donate to anything. Of course, I now will be letting them know your concerns. I thank you for taking the time to share with me your reaction to the door to door campaigning. After the election, I would appreciate having the opportunity to meet and talk with you if you are willing.

Sincerely,
Ann

Although I have to respect the fact that she did seek permission to campaign in the way she was doing in our area, I also have to wonder why the residents were not informed? We do get a monthly newsletter from our association board. I feel that in the future these kinds of things should be communicated to the residents so not to cause any anger or confusion.