Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) wants answers from the United States Postal Service and he’s going to the top. Frustrated by the lack of data to justify closings and drastic job cuts in Western New York, the Congressman is asking the U.S. Postmaster General for a meeting to discuss the issue.
“I attended the public hearing and the arguments made by some of the hundreds of businesses and customers in the room were much more compelling than anything I have seen or heard from the Postal Service,” said Congressman Higgins. “It seems that we are facing a ‘decide first, justify later’ approach which is not only unfair for communities like Western New York but bad business for the future of the U.S. Postal Service. I look forward to the opportunity to share our community’s story with the Postmaster.”
Below is the text of Congressman Higgins’ letter:
January 12, 2012
Patrick R. Donahoe
Postmaster General
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington D.C. 20260-3500
Dear Postmaster Donahoe,
I write to request a meeting with you to discuss several pressing concerns. Having participated at the January 4 public meeting regarding the targeted closing of the William Street Processing and Distribution Center in Buffalo, NY, I must bring directly to your attention that the data and analysis submitted by the USPS is inadequate, insulting and far from a compelling justification for the closing of a major postal operation in the second largest city in New York State.
The USPS provided my office with one page that listed anticipated savings without any link to primary source data, criteria used or any justification for the findings. This is unacceptable. The families and businesses that will be irrevocably impacted from this action deserve better that. My office has been actively engaged in this issue, including the fight for the retail operation in Lackawanna, NY, and continues to observe a flawed process devoid of real analysis and a rationalization of the true economic impact on my community. The USPS must not operate under a decide first justify later mentality. Western New York deserves better.
I have communicated with your office on a number of these objections and have found the responses lacking in substance and analysis that make a strong business case justifying these closures. My community of Western New York would be severely impacted by the proposed closure of the Buffalo PD&C. The economic impact of this facility is far reaching and provides a much needed business and growth climate to attract more investment.
My hope is our conversation will lead to a better understanding of the importance of maintaining this postal facility. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Brian Higgins
Member of Congress
Here is a timeline of Congressman Higgins’ efforts related to the slated closing of Buffalo’s operation:
September 15, 2011: USPS Lists Buffalo on Closing List: Statement from Congressman Higgins
September 27, 2011: Higgins Attends WNY’s Save America’s Post Office Rally
October 4, 2011: Higgins & Slaughter Ask Postmaster to Take Buffalo Off List
October 13, 2011: Higgins Office Tours Buffalo Plant
January 4, 2012: Higgins Testifies at Public Hearing
January 4, 2012: Higgins Sends FOIA Request to USPS
January 10, 2012: As Follow-up to Public Hearing, Higgins Asks for Transcript, More Details from USPS
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