I have just sent my first email to my elected official.

"Dear Greg,

This is Mac, I work at the Hood River Inn.

You always have said you wouldn’t vote to raise my taxes. So why did you just vote to do that?

In truth, I can afford the additional taxes. I’m not personally offended on that level. But you have just voted what is best for the Republican Party, not what is best for the people of Oregon (and America). That offends me.

I know you are secure for re-election. You and I don’t agree on most issues, but this is over the top. People will be hurt by your vote."

Greg Walden is my representative in the Congress of the United States. I live in a strongly Republican district. Greg and I have know each other for something like 25 years. 'Friends' might be stretching the term, but we always greet each other warmly when we see each other.