Larsen Keeps Up Heat on USPS; Says Mail Service Must Not Be Disrupted During August Primary Election
Washington, DC,
May 30, 2012
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today continued his efforts to prevent the closure of the Everett Area Mail Processing Facility. The facility serves residents in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties. The U.S. Postal Service has announced plans to close 140 distribution facilities as early as this summer, but will postpone closure of some facilities during the election season. In a letter to the Postmaster General today, Larsen cites the August primary election and Washington’s vote-by-mail system as reasons to make sure the Everett Area Mail Processing Facility is not on the summer closure list. The text of the letter follows: May 30, 2012 The Honorable Patrick R. Donahoe Mr. Donahoe: I continue to urge reversal of the decision to close the Everett Area Mail Processing Facility. Further, I urge you to ensure the Everett facility is not included on the August closure list. As you mentioned in your letter, consolidation efforts will be suspended during the period between September 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012 due to election and holiday seasonal mailing demands. As Washington residents vote entirely by mail, timely mail processing is critical to ensuring the integrity of our election process. The postmark deadline for ballots in Washington state’s primary election is August 7, and the Secretary of State is required to certify to returns by August 24. This means that mail service in August must not be interrupted or delayed. I am particularly concerned about the potential impact of a closure process in August on ballots submitted by my constituents deployed overseas in our Armed Forces, or living in rural areas such as eastern Whatcom and Skagit counties, and in the San Juan Islands. I ask that you postpone the closure of the Everett facility as I continue to work with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help restore the Postal Service’s financial footing while maintaining high quality service for my constituents in Northwest Washington. Sincerely, Rick Larsen |