By Mike Thompson
United States Postal Service (USPS) is delaying the potential closure or consolidation of more than 3,700 local post offices and 252 mail processing facilities until at least mid-May, 2012.
The decision by the USPS to delay the possible closing of so many rural and economically important post offices and processing facilities shows that more input is needed before decisions are made. Closing these post offices would slow service, forcing seniors to wait longer for prescription drugs and Social Security checks, while isolating rural communities who would no longer have complete access to postal services. Consolidating processing facilities would put the jobs of hundreds of hard working men, women and their families on the chopping block, and in this economy losing those jobs in our community is something we can”t afford.
The U.S. Postal Service agreed yesterday to delay the closing or consolidation of any Post Office or mail processing facility until May 15, 2012. The Postal Service will continue all necessary steps required for the review of these facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings.
Delayed decision on post offices under consideration for possible closure include:
? Blocksburg, Humboldt County
? Downtown Davis, Yolo County
? Honeydew, Humboldt County
? Kneeland, Humboldt County
? Korbel, Humboldt County
? Oakville, Napa County
? Phillipsville, Humboldt County
? Redcrest, Humboldt County
? Samoa, Humboldt County
? Weott, Humboldt County
? Yountville Veterans Homes, Napa County
Delayed decision of processing facilities under consideration for possible consolidation include:
? Petaluma, Sonoma County
? Eureka , Humboldt County
*Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California”s 1st Congressional District, which includes the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and Yolo. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.
