Press Release

May 19, 2010

CARDIN, MIKULSKI, KRATOVIL CALL FOR POSTAL SERVICE TO SCHEDULE PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS ON FATE OF EASTON MAIL PROCESSING FACILITY

Delegation asks for at least four meetings, one each in Easton, Chestertown, Salisbury, and Ocean City

WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin, Barbara A. Mikulski and Congressman Frank M. Kratovil (all D-Md.) today sent a letter to Postmaster General John E. Potter, asking that the U.S. Post Office schedule additional public information meetings on the Area Mail Processing Study of the Easton Processing and Distribution Facility in Easton, MD.

The text of the letter follows:

May 19, 2010

Mr. John E. Potter

Postmaster General

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW

Washington, D.C. 20260

Dear Postmaster Potter:

In today’s difficult economy, families, businesses and local governments have been forced to make tough economic choices, and the U.S. Postal Service is no exception.

We respect the difficult economic decisions that the U.S. Postal Service is currently facing and we appreciate that the changing role of mail delivery services in today’s high-tech society further complicates the situation.
However, we call to your attention a significant issue to many of our constituents: the Area Mail Processing Study of the Easton Processing and Distribution Facility in Easton, MD.

While we understand that a study is necessary and important, it is critical that residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore are given a voice in the process.

We think it is unacceptable that the U.S. Postal Service intends to hold only one public meeting prior to making a decision on the fate of the facility.
Even though the facility is located in Easton, your decision will affect the entire Eastern Shore.
The Eastern Shore’s unique geography already limits capabilities for a quick mail turn around and closing the facility will slow down the process even more.
The residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore demand and deserve to have a voice in a decision that will impact the future of the facility and mail delivery times throughout the area.

Given the regional impact of any proposed closure and the importance of postal services to citizens throughout the Eastern Shore, we strongly encourage you to schedule at least one public information meeting in each of the following cities: Easton, Chestertown, Salisbury, and Ocean City.
We look forward to hearing back from you by June 1.