Should I email my rep (100+ days and counting)?

[demosdarker]

Hi guys. I've been lurking on this forum since I started this process, but just never really had a reason to post until now. Now of course, I need advice

So, I completed my course at the start of March, and I sent in my paperwork on 3/16. Well, our instructor told us we could pay online, but the only way I could figure out to do that was to fill out another app online. So I filled the application out online, paid my 140, and began the wait on 3/16.

Well, I sat for about a month and got a notice saying that they needed a signature from me to start my application. Appearantly, when you do the online application they have to have a signature or something to start the process and run the background checks; and when you send both the hard copy application in and do the application online, they go with the first one they receive, so my hardcopy was thrown out in favor of the internet application.

So my timeline goes something like this:

March 3 took the class (119 days ago)
March 16 sent packet in (106 days ago)
March 18 filled out online application and paid (104 days ago)
April 3 Sent the signature (89 days ago)

Now, this entire time I've been on "Processing Application" and have had my Pin. I've even sweet talked my way into status updates about my application. Once when I called, I was told my Federal Background check was complete and they were just waiting on my local checks. Then I got the standard "backlogged" call back next month.

Well, now I'm wondering if I should get my state representative involved. I live in North Dallas, but I don't know who would represent me in this matter. What do you guys think I should do? I mean, I know the waits are horrendous, but everytime I've seen someone get a politician involved, things seem to speed up.

I guess I'm just looking for direction.

[agbullet2k1]

Welcome welcome.

Firstly, you should never feel like writing your reps is a hassle to them. They're there to represent you, and I'd say 100 days is long enough to wait. There is some sentiment on here that it's unfair to write because it may put you ahead of others that have been waiting longer, but I don't think many people have been waiting longer than you, so you're good to go.

Use this website to find out who all your representatives are.
http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

[wyatt]

Well I am not much to give direction but are in the same timeline as you. my app was recieved by Austin on 3/15. I did not have any issues with my app so far, knock on wood, but i contacted my state Rep at 90 days and they were very helpful and the next day I got contacted by DPS letting me know where we were with my app. All it did was move my app. from Packet Mailed to Applicant to proccesing App. I called DPS at day 94 because they told me it would be about 2 weeks for my app to be complete, but that came and went and this is day 104 with no issues so far so i am just waiting until it comes or my status on line changes. In my opinion I do not know how much contacting my state rep helped because it seems that everyone is doing the same. I feel that at the office they are getting used to that and giving the same anwsers. it is not fun waiting and i am ready to get my plastic but i feel that contacting them really does not make the plastic come any faster just takes up time people could be working on other apps. Thats my two cents, all we can do is wait. Good luck to you.

[dukesean]

Firstly, you should never feel like writing your reps is a hassle to them. They're there to represent you, and I'd say 100 days is long enough to wait.

Amen to that. Responding to your email or letter is part of their job. They work for you, whether or not you voted for them.

[demosdarker]

Thanks guys. I have sent a letter to my state rep, so I'm hoping to hear back from that eventually.

The sad part is....I don't even have a holster yet.

[agbullet2k1]

Thanks guys. I have sent a letter to my state rep, so I'm hoping to hear back from that eventually.

The sad part is....I don't even have a holster yet.

I'll throw my support to CTAC. Never thought I'd be able to conceal something as big as a P99 with no printing.

Keep us updated on how the letter works out.

[nitrogen]

I'd say you should have contacted them on the 61'st day, but absolutely.

[03Lightningrocks]

Welcome welcome.

Firstly, you should never feel like writing your reps is a hassle to them. They're there to represent you, and I'd say 100 days is long enough to wait. There is some sentiment on here that it's unfair to write because it may put you ahead of others that have been waiting longer, but I don't think many people have been waiting longer than you, so you're good to go.

Use this website to find out who all your representatives are.
http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Just to be clear....I don't feel like anyone should hesitate to write their representative and complain. I also didn't see anyone else saying you shouldn't write your representative in "that" thread. That is what your rep is for. My gripe was with the way some of the complaints from representatives were handled at the DPS. I simply didn't and don't feel a person who has been waiting 60 days should be getting pulled ahead of folks that have been waiting 90 days or more. There are definitely situations that call for special attention.

I also agree with what another poster said above about the effectiveness of writing your representative. I bet it is happening so much now that the DPS is beginning to blow it off when they hear from them.

[KaiserB]

I also agree with what another poster said above about the effectiveness of writing your representative. I bet it is happening so much now that the DPS is beginning to blow it off when they hear from them.

I believe most of these issues go through the DPS Legislative Liaison. Who filters and processes the requests to give a disposition back to the representatives.

[03Lightningrocks]

I also agree with what another poster said above about the effectiveness of writing your representative. I bet it is happening so much now that the DPS is beginning to blow it off when they hear from them.

I believe most of these issues go through the DPS Legislative Liaison. Who filters and processes the requests to give a disposition back to the representatives.

If it is just one person who is entrusted to this job, I bet they are swamped in special requests.

[agbullet2k1]

Just to be clear....I don't feel like anyone should hesitate to write their representative and complain...

Yeah I worded that poorly. Correction to myself...writing=good, DPS giving some special treatment and hanging others who've been waiting longer out to dry=bad.

[demosdarker]

So how long do you guys think I should wait for a response? I know he has a number to call, but that seems really over zealous. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet, but now I'm getting antsy.

[agbullet2k1]

I'd say wait about a week if you emailed, or a couple weeks if you hand wrote them. Most of them have staffers that sort the mail, so it may take a few days once it arrives before they even see it.

[03Lightningrocks]

So how long do you guys think I should wait for a response? I know he has a number to call, but that seems really over zealous. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet, but now I'm getting antsy.

Who is your State Representative?

I'd say wait about a week if you emailed, or a couple weeks if you hand wrote them. Most of them have staffers that sort the mail, so it may take a few days once it arrives before they even see it.

+1

[agbullet2k1]

How's this for irony...

Literally less than 30 minutes after I wrote the "wait two weeks" comment for handwritten, I got a call from Rep. Larry Talylor's office. I sent the letter out on Friday. So I guess I overestimated.

I'm not expecting the plastic to magically appear in the mail, and all I asked for was a PIN and some sort of info on what's happening. Been over 70 days now...