And it is O.K. to ask for something from government in this relationship. The most effective political relationships are two-way dialogues. When we write to our elected officials or telephone them or show up at their meetings, we are completing the democracy that voting only begins. That's how elected officials become more familiar with our needs and they more thoroughly explain their philosophies to us. And until changes are made in our campaign finance laws, contributions to campaigns will be part of political relationships.
Most people understand that it costs money for political candidates to communicate with voters.
They don't object to personal campaign contributions as long as they are modest in size and a matter of public record. They carry an odor of special interests and privilege about them. Their days are numbered. The easiest way for businesses in the tri-county area to get involved in political relationships is through the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has established a strong set of relationships with officials in most of the townships and municipalities in its service area and with the seventeen officials who represent the area in the state legislature and Congress.