In Letter to Postmaster General, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown Questions Whether Closure is a “Fiscally and Operationally Responsible Decision”
January 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) this week sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to rethink the closure of the Mansfield Lincoln Finance Station in Madison Township. The postal facility is scheduled to close on February 12.
In the letter, Brown noted that the facility services a number of townships, including Mifflin, Weller, Madison, and parts of Mansfield, and has been a profitable unit for the USPS. He also asked the Postmaster General to “personally revisit” the decision to close the Madison Township facility.
“While I am well aware of the Postal Service’s difficult financial situation, I have asked that it do everything it can to avoid closing any postal facilities that would negatively affect the community, local businesses, and the level of service provided to my constituents,” Brown wrote. “Based on the information shared with me, I question whether closing the Lincoln Finance Station is truly a fiscally and operationally responsible decision.”
Brown sent the letter after Madison Township Trustees alerted him to the closure of the postal station. The full text of the letter is below.
January 5, 2011
Mr. Patrick R. Donahoe, Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20260-0010
Dear Mr. Donahoe:
I am writing to express my concerns about the United States Postal Service’s planned closure of the Mansfield Lincoln Finance Station in Madison Township, effective February 12, 2011.
My staff and I have been in constant communication with Postal Officials for the past four years. While I am well aware of the Postal Service’s difficult financial situation, I have asked that it do everything it can to avoid closing any postal facilities that would negatively affect the community, local businesses, and the level of service provided to my constituents.
My constituents from both Madison Township and the Greater Mansfield area have contacted me about this closure. It is important to note that this facility services several townships, including Mifflin, Weller, Madison, and parts of Mansfield. Several parties have brought to my attention that the Lincoln Finance Station is a profitable unit and question why – if that is indeed the case – this facility would be targeted for closure.
The Madison Township Trustees recently notified my office of their attempts to secure the continuation of this facility. I know the Township Trustees engaged in a petition drive and have also appealed to Congressman Jordan’s office.
Based on the information shared with me, I question whether closing the Lincoln Finance Station is truly a fiscally and operationally responsible decision. I therefore ask that you personally revisit the planned closing to determine whether maintaining the facility is actually the more cost- and operationally-efficient option.
Thank you for your consideration.