From the office of Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA-11)

December 8, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) wrote to the United States Postal Service, calling on Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe to ensure that the processing and distribution center in Stockton which is being considered for closure remains open.  The closing of the facility would mean an estimated 187 jobs would be lost in the Stockton area.

“Recently, we have seen that unemployment has fallen across the nation.  Unfortunately, we have not seen the same decrease in our region, and we cannot bear to lose any more jobs.  In this economy, we need to be creating jobs, not losing them,” said Rep. McNerney.

In his letter, McNerney also expressed his displeasure at the lack of transparency throughout the deliberation process over the potential closure of the facility.  As the window for public comment comes to an end, the Postal Service has continued to withhold vital information related to their decision-making process regarding the facility.  The Area Mail Processing (AMP) study conducted by the USPS has been kept from the public.

Full text of the letter is below:

December 8, 2011
U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260-0010

Dear Postmaster General Donahoe,

I am writing to you regarding the potential closure of the mail processing and distribution facility in Stockton, CA.  I have many concerns about shuttering the facility and moving its operations to West Sacramento.

I understand the financial challenges USPS faces and that the Postal Service must make difficult decisions.  However, I would like to bring your attention to some of the potentially serious consequences of this move that may outweigh any benefits.

As you know, a large number of area residents, postal employees, and business owners from as far away as Fresno attended last week’s public meeting in Stockton to discuss how this change would affect their lives and economic futures.  At this meeting, many concerns were raised including the environmental impact of longer employee commutes and increased USPS traffic between Stockton and Sacramento, the adverse effects on local businesses caused by extended and unpredictable shipping times, and the effects on the community of having employees laid off or their families uprooted.  I share these concerns, and I cannot accept job losses in the Stockton area.

Stockton has been one the hardest hit communities during this economic downturn, and moving all bulk shipping operations over 50 miles away will hurt businesses, employees, and families who are already pressed for time and resources.  In addition, this upheaval is detrimental to employees and their families who are unable to lay down roots in one area when there is rampant uncertainty about when and where they may be relocated next.

I am also disappointed by the overall lack of transparency of this process.  I have found it exceedingly difficult to obtain timely information from USPS, and I know that many Stockton residents share this frustration.  Although the choices facing USPS are difficult, lack of transparency is unacceptable under any circumstance.

I urge you to consider all the ramifications of this move as you continue your analysis and to provide all affected individuals with any requested information as soon as is possible.  The public deserves accurate and timely information on the results of the Area Mail Processing (AMP) study as well as a transparent process that allows for their input to be heard and properly considered.  Refusal to release the AMP study is intolerable.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that Stockton and surrounding communities continue to receive the highest quality mail service, that postal employees receive fair treatment throughout this process, and that the Postal Service remains a viable institution for future generations.  Please do not hesitate to contact myself or my staff at (202) 225-1947 to discuss this issue further.
Sincerely,
Jerry McNerney
Member of Congress

Cc: Consumer Affairs Manager, Sacramento District