West Virginia Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) react to USPS announcement of post office closings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller today released the following statement after the U.S. Postal Service announced it is studying the possibility of closing 150 post offices in West Virginia as part of a cost-cutting initiative.
“I am concerned about the impact these potential closings will have on post office customers, especially in rural communities. I want to be absolutely certain that rural states haven’t been unfairly targeted. If that’s the case, I’ll be pressing post office officials to look more closely at their criteria to make sure the process is fair. For example, West Virginia stands to lose more post offices than California. That’s a red flag for me. Rural communities must continue to have access to postal services.”
“Finally, I encourage concerned West Virginians in areas that have been identified for closure to call the Appalachian District of the Postal Service to share their concerns and have their voices heard. The Postal Service needs to know directly how these possible closings are going to impact West Virginians.”
Manchin Statement About USPS Plans to Potentially Close 150 Post Offices in West Va.
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement about the U.S. Postal Service’s plans to study 150 post offices in West Virginia for potential closure as part of an effort to close a $20 billion budget gap.
“While I understand that families and businesses are facing tough financial choices in a difficult economic climate, I urge the Post Office to make every effort to maintain services to the people who need them most,” Senator Manchin said. “I grew up in the small town of Farmington – with just several hundred people – and I speak from experience when I say that rural post offices serve as a critical lifeline to communities. As an elected representative, I receive dozens – sometimes hundreds – of letters a day from my constituents, many of whom can only reach me by writing a letter. While I understand that tough choices are necessary in this difficult budget climate, I urge the Post Office to make every effort to maintain their services.
“With respect to this terrible announcement, the Post Office needs to explain why it seems that West Virginia faces a disproportionate burden of these closings when compared with other states, as well as how the post office will continue to serve rural communities. I plan to reach out to the Postmaster General and ask him to explain this decision and what steps can be taken to minimize the negative effects this action will have on our families.”
Background:
In April, officials from the United States Postal Service attended regional open meetings in West Virginia communities whose post offices are facing potential closure, and representatives from Senator Manchin’s staff were on hand to help facilitate these community workshops. There, local residents had the opportunity to communicate creative proposals that might help preserve postal service.
Senator Manchin has previously joined his colleagues in the West Virginia Congressional delegation to call on the Postmaster to explain why a disproportionate number of area mail processing studies are occurring in West Virginia.
It’s a no-brainer why 150 PO’s are on the tentative closure list….the PO was totally scared of Sen. Robert Byrd when he was alive and gave him whatever authority to do what he wanted…now that Byrd’s deceased, the PO is making up lost ground to bring West Virginia in line like all other states. There are no more cuts than every other state has endured when you factor the “Byrd favoritism” that now is nonexistant. So quit the complaining, West Virginia and lean to endure like the other 49 states in the United States. You can’t have a full-fledged post office every 5 miles to serve 100 people.
Close it all down. Anything government is a drain on society. (I heard Ann Coolter say it and I belive it)
Instead of closing so many Post offices that are needed why isn’t the USPS getting rid of managers who make $90,000.00 + for doing nothing but pushing paper from one desk to another. If the USPS is losing so much money why are so many new managers being added especially when the volume is supposely down.
All the USPS cuts on the back on the poor and underepresented citizens. Who will stand up and speak for those in the rural who can not?
Just my thoughts.
Hmm…let me think. Perhaps the USPS is picking those offices as part of a vicious political attack on these two senators. Or perhaps it’s because they’re losing money on those offices. Which one seems more likely?
If the honorable gentlemen from West Virginia believe that USPS services are critical to maintaining the political process in their state, perhaps they could do something to help the USPS turn their budget problems around. Like voting to authorize them to stop overpaying into the retirement fund. Or freeing the USPS from burdensome government restrictions on the services and products they can offer. Heck, even just paying for all that “Congressional Franking Privilege” mail they currently send out for free would be a start.