Trying to get a hold of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or other politician has never been more difficult. Despite technology, phones, and email these people are protected by their handlers.
Whatever the political agenda, saving face is above all. Instead of an MLA being responsible to the electorate, they are hidden behind handlers that sift through their emails hand picking what to say, what to ignore, and what if anything to forward to the political elite. Responses are carefully checked by hordes of legal and media optics people so only the right words or opinions are conveyed. Carefully they are crafted not to offend, provide commitment, or stray from party platforms.
Many times these underlings have no real life experience or factual knowledge on any topic they filter. To them it is just a job. The job of removing as much as possible from the life of the politically elite. What these MLAs don’t understand is the loss of personal involvement with their constituents or cold shallow responses lead to loss of votes and negative opinions.
Time is certainly precious and sifting through an immense amount of email could very well end up being a full time job. So it understandable they may wish to filter some of the incoming communication. What is misunderstood is that a constituents time is just as precious as the MLAs. Wasting it trying to break through the gate keepers is a poor use that leaves a bad taste.
Gate keepers are not doing their bosses any favors by sheltering them from negative feedback. Responses that often appear short, cold, and unhelpful have a negative impact to the point of ensuring lost votes. The party itself suffers a black eye. If this is not the intent then an MLA needs to keep a tight reign on their gate keepers.
Sadly, the political realm won’t give a damn until they are fighting to renew their seat. Don’t count on my vote.