Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) yesterday sent a letter to Postmaster General and CEO of the U.S. Postal Service Mr. John Potter requesting assurance that the needs of greater Cleveland would be central in the decision-making process used in the review of 16 area post office locations for potential closure.

Congressman Kucinich sent the letter after demanding assurances from a representative of the U.S.P.S, Mr. Jordan Small, that community input would be included in the review.  In the hearing, Congressman Kucinich also expressed concern about the potential for privatization of the services provided by the U.S.P.S.  Mr. Small yesterday testified before the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, of which Kucinich is a member.

The full text of the letter follows:

July 30, 2009

John E. Potter

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service

475 L'Enfant Plaza, Southwest

Washington, DC 20260

Dear Mr. Potter,

As you know, I have been notified that sixteen post offices in the Greater Cleveland Area are under consideration for consolidation.  I have serious concerns about the process that will be used to decide which facilities will be lost. 

It is my understanding that the United States Postal Service (USPS) follows established processes and procedures already in place to conduct these reviews and includes concerns of all stakeholders affected by possible closings.  The people of Northeast Ohio have expressed concern about the potential loss of post office facilities and would like to know that their concerns have received full consideration.  

I am well aware of the dire financial situation that the USPS is facing and understand that some post offices must close in order to ensure the survival of USPS. I will continue to support the USPS in this effort.  But the potential for loss of access to critical services as well as the potential to allow downsizing to devolve into privatization is as troubling as the decision-making process that has been so heavily criticized.  In order to demonstrate the needs of Cleveland are being met, please detail:  

1. community and consumer demographics for each post office under review,  including 

a. the number of users visiting or otherwise doing business with each of the 16 branches slated for closing; 

b. the number of users visiting or otherwise doing business with each of the branches not slated for closing in the greater Cleveland area; 

2. the methods that will be used to consider the following demographic characteristics in making the recommendation to consolidate or close any postal facilities: 

a. age of customers; 

b. minority status of customers 

c. socio-economic status of customers; 

d. access of customers to transportation; 

e. access of customers to the internet; 

3. any other demographic information, including U.S. census data, that will be considered in making the recommendation to consolidate any post office branches. 

4. services that would be more conveniently offered by a privately owned entity than a postal facility upon closure of any of the 16 postal facilities;  

Consolidation of any postal facility must only occur after a complete analysis.  As the USPS moves forward with its plan to review the consolidation of sixteen post offices in the Greater Cleveland Area, we must ensure that each post office and its relevant community is afforded a thorough examination of impact on all stakeholders and a voice at the table.  I look forward to your response.  

Sincerely,

Dennis J. Kucinich

Member of Congress

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