Avoid classifying or pigeonholing local officials. Don't assume anything about them or their staffs. Local officials often have split ideologies, conservative on some issues and liberal on others. Don't take support for granted. Officials who support CPA on one issue may not support it on another.
Local officials are more responsive to constituent input than state or federal officials.
Don't be a pest. Make contacts count. Meetings should have a real purpose and should be held to the minimum needed to get the job done. Your issue is almost never the most important thing on an official's mind. Get to know key support staff.