Time to start writing letters again

Most post offices just received or have already received their docket. Chances are very good that when May 15th arrives, things will move very quickly. The moratorium has not changed what the USPS intends to do. This is a great time to start writing letters again and to begin preparations for an appeal.  Unless our representatives are successful in intervening, many of our post offices will have notices posted on May 15th and be closed shortly thereafter.  Don't grow weary in the battle for fairness.  Stand for something that is crucial to our rural communities.

Updated link for comments

The url to the Postal Regulatory Commission's comment page has been changed:

Comment page link

Reading comments on this page is like reading the same story over and over again.  Only the community name changes.  Please take time to voice your concerns.

Does this information surprise you?

This is a direct quote from the PRC comment page:

"The whole idea of closing post offices is predicated on the fact that we have to cut costs. Management says that one of the chief reasons for the losses is the salary and benefits that postal employees receive. So why don't they cut the salaries and benefits of executive officers? Why don't they take the lead and be the example for others to follow? On one hand they want to close post offices in rural communities and have customers drive 10 or 20 or more miles to the next post office to check their mail and do their business. And yet USPS is giving $50,000 retention bonuses to executives and $200,000 in salary for each of the 40+ vice presidents. How do you justify to customers that small offices must close to save money?"

Comments and suggestions are coming in from across the nation

I hope you have time to visit the PRC feedback site mentioned in the previous post.   98%+ of the responses clearly demonstrate that the American people are unhappy with the current reorganization plan and feel that the resulting service will be inadequate to meet their community's needs.  I hope you will continue to visit this site to post your own comments and suggestions.  Also helpful would be a respectful, educated response to those who do not understand what lack of / decreased access will mean to our rural communities.

Make your voice heard

The Postal Regulatory Commission is providing the opportunity to voice your opinion regarding the Retail Optimization Access Initiative.  Even though we are enjoying a moratorium right now, we are likely to be facing closure issues again when the 6 months is over.  The USPS is continuing to do its evaluations and will be prepared to act at the end of the moratorium.

Please take the time to post how you will be negatively effected if your post office closes.   Most important, detail how you will NOT be receiving maximum and effective service if your community is forced into rural delivery.   Document the hardships it will place on your residents and businesses.   Refute the USPS claim that what they have proposed will be adequate for your community's needs.  The USPS is legally held to a standard of service.  Do not let them redefine "service" to deny equal access.
You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to leave your comment.

Click here to access the PRC comment page

Nelson and 19 other senators ask for moratorium

NELSON: DON’T CLOSE RURAL POST OFFICES BEFORE TRYING TO FIX USPS

New Facebook Page

A new Facebook page was just started.  Please pass this information onto as many people as you can.  Our page and blog now have followers Colorado, Wyoming, possibly Minnesota, and (of course) Nebraska.  Even if your post office is already in the closure process, check back for appeal ideas, sample letters, and formal appeal documents.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protesting-the-Closing-of-Rural-Post-offices/229867957082778