Do you contact you government officials?

[glatt]

It depends on who you are calling and why. I routinely call local government officials when I see something that is broken. I've dropped dimes on neighbors who have put large items on the curb to be picked up but haven't made the required phone call to have it actually done. The county sends out a truck in a day or two. I've called the county twice when I've seen water main breaks. Very rapid large scale responses for that. I've called the local police precinct when I've been away travelling for a long time and asked them to do occasional patrols around my house.

They are always very responsive when you call the correct office and give them a problem that they have some control over. Maybe it's just Arlington County that is so awesome. Your mileage may vary.

I've written my senator once. His staff member sent me a return form letter, and the senator voted against my wishes.

In my personal experience, the higher up you go, the less responsive government is.