When I am putting together a plan or seeking
input on a course of action, I will choose two or three people I trust and respect, and who think differently from me.
Federal agencies are less likely to receive blasts
of comments
on rules and regulations, and I've seen agency officials step back and reconsider an
action when they're deluged with citizen messages (though
of course, we've all also seen agencies ignore vast amounts
of public
input and do exactly the opposite what's asked).