After Intervention By Kucinich, Social Security Office Will Remain In Lakewood
Washington,
Jun 27, 2006 -
After Nearly Year-Long Effort By Kucinich And Mayor George Social Security Administration Has Announced It Will Not Move Lakewood Social Security Office
In a letter received yesterday, Social Security Administrator Jo Anne Barnhart informed Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) that the Social Security Administration will not move forward with the planned relocation of the Social Security office in Lakewood, Ohio. Yesterday’s announcement comes after a nearly year-long effort by Kucinich and the Mayor of Lakewood, Thomas George, to block the relocation.
Yesterday’s letter from Barnhart followed a May 3rd meeting in Kucinich’s Washington office in which Kucinich laid out his strong objections to relocating the office out of Lakewood.
“This is a big victory for seniors in Lakewood, and for the entire community,” stated Kucinich. “The Social Security office in Lakewood is centrally located and provides a vital service to the community. Because of our efforts, tens of thousands of seniors in Lakewood, and the surrounding communities, will continue to have access to this centrally located service center.”
In September 2005, the General Services Administration (GSA) informed the City of Lakewood that it was going to move the Social Security office out of Lakewood. Immediately, Kucinich joined with Mayor George to protect the Lakewood facility.
Lakewood is a centrally located community with good public transportation and a large population of seniors and others with disabilities who easily access the Lakewood Social Security office.
Prior to the May 3rd meeting with Administrator Barnhart, in January, Kucinich met with the Regional Administrator and Regional Commissioner to oppose the move.
“I would like to thank Administrator Barnhart for correctly reversing the relocation order, and Mayor George for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Lakewood,” continued Kucinich. “I look forward to working with the Social Security Administration to ensure that they keep a strong presence in Lakewood for years to come.”
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