A bi-partisan group of Oregon state senators lead by rural Republicans said Thursday they are petitioning Congress to maintain vital postal links in Oregon. More than 41 post offices are under consideration for closure in Oregon, the majority located in rural areas. In Oregon, post offices are not only a place to get mail, but also serve as ballot boxes.
“Closing a post office in rural Oregon may look like an insignificant rounding error back in Washington DC, but to those who live in the area it is a vital life-line of communication and commerce for businesses, students and families,” said Senator Chris Telfer (R-Bend). “Closing the doors at these post offices further marginalizes rural Oregon, making it that much more difficult for them to make their voice heard or successfully run a business.”
A total of 21 state senators signed a letter to congressional leaders considering more than $2.1 billion in total cuts to the United States Postal Service.
In part, the letter said, “During these times of financial adversity, we understand the need to cut costs and reducing the budget. However, we feel closing our rural post offices is an inefficient solution to cost cutting. Closing post offices in rural areas won’t prevent mail delivery but will reduce the services provided to rural residents, such as mail registry and other special services which are essential for legal and bureaucratic communications with the Courts and state and federal agencies.”
Full Article: Oregon State Senators Fight Post Office Closures – Oregon – Northwest News Story – KTVZ Bend.