BILLINGS – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, this week contacted United States Post Office Postmaster General  Patrick Donahoe asking him to strongly consider public input before making any decisions impacting postal service in Montana.  Rehberg, who last week solicited input on plans to consolidate mail processing operations by closing the Butte, Helena, Havre, and Miles City processing centers through his email newsletter, received 205 comments from Montanans in impacted postal regions.  Rehberg submitted those comments to the Post Office in a letter to Donahoe.

“Before making important decisions, my first action is always to look to Montanans to see what they think,” said Rehberg, who is in currently hosting more Montana Listening Sessions, bringing his total to 81.  “The Post Office has an open call for comments, and I want to make sure they hear from the Montanans their proposals will impact.  Ultimately, this decision needs to be about what’s best for our state.”

Some of the sample comments are included here:

“I know that there are a lot of other areas for the Federal Government to save money.  I am not in favor of moving our postal operations.” G.J., Havre

“The Capital City should have its own mail processing.  Moving the equipment and processing to Helena from Great Falls makes more sense.  Prescriptions from the VA, mail from state government and overnight delivery are important to the capital city.  The jobs are very important to Helena.  Surely there are alternatives that make more sense.  Is the pension plan for workers really overfunded?  If so, shouldn't some of that funding be used to maintain service?” E.F., Helena

“I am opposed to this postal reorganization. My opinion of a reorganization is to improve economy by keeping employees and the postal services in the towns Havre, Butte, Helena and Miles City” V.B., Helena

“Don't you think Butte has lost enough jobs?   Butte is an interstate hub.  The only one in the state:   I-15 and I-90.   Please reconsider.” V.D., Butte

“Yes, yes, yes!  Our country is in dire straits.  I say reorganize and save U.S. taxpayers some money.” J.M., Butte

LETTER:

Dear Postmaster General Donahoe:

It has come to my attention that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is considering the consolidation of mail processing operations in Montana by closing the Butte, Helena, Havre, and Miles City processing centers. 

I appreciate USPS’s attempt to reduce costs and the challenges it faces in a time of declining revenues and increased expenses.  However, I urge you to take into consideration how the closure of these processing centers will affect Montanans who depend on timely mail delivery services for personal, business, and governmental purposes.  Additionally, during a time when Montanans are struggling to make ends meet, the threat of any unwarranted job losses makes the prospect of closures all the more worrisome for the employees who serve there.

The proposals have certainly made an impact on the Montana communities that may be affected – I received hundreds of comments from Montanans who have thoughts about the studies and how it may impact their mail service.  Those comments are included with this letter, and I urge you to thoroughly consider their thoughts before making any final decision. 

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this important issue.  Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any further questions or information. 

Sincerely,