“I am uncertain how anybody could possibly think it reasonable to put forward or even discuss such a bill in the midst of a 1.3 BILLION dollar revenue failure, one which most of the sitting members have helped to create,” Shoaf wrote.

That prompted Mulready to reply: “When you start your note with a quote like, ‘which most of the sitting members have helped to create,’ I have to assume you believe I have some control over the price of a barrel of oil?? With that in mind, the rest of your note holds zero credibility with me.”

Shoaf said he was surprised by Mulready’s response — but also surprised he received any response at all. Mulready was one of only two or three legislators to answer Shoaf’s email, he said.

“I write a dozen or more letters a week,” said Shoaf, an activist on LGBTQ and other issues. “I’m not used to anyone responding, let alone that way.”

And that, said Shoaf, is his bigger complaint — no one at the Capitol seems to be paying attention.

“My point (to the Legislature) is that ‘You’re wasting the people’s time.’ I sit here every session and look at hundreds of bills that do nothing to fix the problems of the state,” he said.