Gordon H. Smith,  US Senate October 4, 2007 To:   me Dear friend:     Thank you for sharing your concerns with me regarding the NTSB's proposed helmet mandate for motorcyclists.  I appreciated you observations, and am pleased that you took the time to contact me.     Public input is a vital component of the policy-making process, as it helps federal agencies better understand the potential impact of proposed regulations on business, communities and individuals.  The decisions made in Washington D.C. inevitably have long- lasting effects back home, and must not be taken lightly or without proper input from those who have first-hand knowledge of the issues involved.  Please be assured that I will carefully consider the issues you have raised, and will keep your thoughts in mind would these matters be brought before the Congress for consideration.      Once again, thank you for sharing your comments with me.  Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance to you on a federally related matter sincerely Gordon H Smith United States Senator