Stay informed about governmental action and prevent unwise restrictions
In the United States and Canada, the political process remains open, and legislative and regulatory actions are almost always taken by officials after public debate.
This system presents an opportunity and a responsibility to all. Because the process is open to public monitoring, citizens have a chance to speak out against misguided legislation or regulation. Indeed, many feel it is their responsibility to do so. So that you will not be surprised by anti-watercraft measures, take the following steps to remain informed about the process in your area:
- Call city hall and the county public information offices to obtain a summary of measures under consideration on the local level. In most cases, you can specify the issue or issues in which you are interested (such as proposals that would impact on watercraft).
- Write a letter to the mayor, city manager, your city council member and county commissioner (whoever represents the district you live in). Ask them to keep you informed on any debate or proposals. Remember that they work for you, and it is their job to keep you informed.
- Write a personal letter (see attached samples) or call your representative in the legislature. In most states, the clerk of the House and the clerk of the Senate can be reached at a public information number at the state capitol. In some states, information for both houses is available through one central office. Those offices can provide all the information you need about contacting individual legislators.
Ask your legislators if there are any restrictions being debated or proposed. (Ask for a copy of the bill if one has been submitted.)
Ask your legislators which agencies have regulatory authority for waterways. Call those agencies to determine if they might propose restrictions, and get on their mailing list.
Identify who the other key legislators are on the issue. Who is the chairman of the committee (in both houses of the legislature) that would have jurisdiction over watercraft legislation?
Ask your legislator to keep you informed on any debate or proposals that would affect watercraft and jet boats.
Again, remember that your representative works for you.
Email (cityhall@sea-doo.com) or call the Sea-Doo®Hotline at 1-800-533-9138 for assistance if your calls for information to the state capitol are unsuccessful and you need help in identifying your representatives or the other key legislators, determining if legislation has been proposed or hearings scheduled, or help in writing a letter. Also you may fax information such as newspaper clippings to the hotline staff at 1-407-722-4001.
If legislation is in the works:
- If you do become aware of debate or proposals, get the details. Call or visit your representatives and ask questions. Ask for a summary of any proposals in writing.
- As soon as you become aware of restricting debate or proposals, email (cityhall@sea-doo.com) or call the Sea-Doo®Hotline at 1-800-533-9138, or fax the information to 1-407-722-4001.
- Make your views known. Once you have the details, express your opinion in person, if possible, by telephone and in writing.
- Attend any hearings scheduled on the issue to speak out against anti-watercraft legislation.
Determine the schedule for hearings by calling your legislator or the public information office at the state capitol.
Contact the office of the legislator chairing the hearings and ask to be put on the list of scheduled speakers.
Email (cityhall@sea-doo.com) or call the Sea-Doo®Hotline at
1-800-533-9138 for guidance on the steps to follow.
Prepare your comments in advance, have them typed and be ready to distribute copies at the hearing.
When testifying at the hearing, thank the legislators for the opportunity to make your views known, and state your position on the issue in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to answer questions, and do not be confrontational or react defensively.