WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General John E. Potter urging him to keep the Wesleyville Post Office open and hold public meetings on the potential closure so members of the community can express their concerns and have their questions answered. Earlier this year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that it would consider closing hundreds of post offices across the country, including the facility in Wesleyville, due to increasing deficits and declining mail volume.
“The United States Postal Service today faces some of the greatest challenges in its history as it works to adapt to the changing economic and social environment which has drastically affected demand for its services,” wrote Senator Casey. “I appreciate your efforts to make the necessary changes in a way that protects not only the needs of the USPS, but also its customers and employees.”
He went on to write, “My office has been contacted by residents of Wesleyville, Pennsylvania, who have expressed concern regarding this process. I understand that while their post office remains on the list for possible closure, there have yet to be any public meetings at which the residents could express their views or have their questions answered. I believe the USPS should consider community input in a town hall meeting or similar format before making its final decision.”
Full text of the letter is below.
Dear Postmaster General Potter:
The United States Postal Service (USPS) today faces some of the greatest challenges in its history as it works to adapt to the changing economic and social environment which has drastically affected demand for its services. I appreciate your efforts to make the necessary changes in a way that protects not only the needs of the USPS, but also its customers and employees.
I have previously expressed my concern about the proposed closing of post offices across Pennsylvania in my letter of August 19. Due to the impact these potential closures will have, I repeat this concern and stress the need for strong communication with the public so that the customers’ needs can be fully addressed.
My office has been contacted by residents of Wesleyville, Pennsylvania, who have expressed concern regarding this process. I understand that while their post office remains on the list for possible closure, there have yet to be any public meetings at which the residents could express their views or have their questions answered. I believe the USPS should consider community input in a town hall meeting or similar format before making its final decision.
If there is any way that my office can be of assistance in this matter, please have a member of your staff contact my Harrisburg office at (717) 231-7540. Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.
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