SAMPLE APPEAL LETTER TO POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

SAMPLE APPEAL LETTER TO POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

(This sample letter is to be used only during the 30 day appeal period when the Final Determination is posted)

Ruth Y. Goldway

Chairman

Postal Regulatory Commission

901 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20268-0001

Dear Chairman Goldway:

The Postal Service has posted the Final Determination to (insert close or if service is to be provided by another post office use consolidate).

The attached list containing signatures of customers served by (insert name and state of post office) do not feel that the alternate service offered by the Postal Service is acceptable as it does not provide a maximum degree of regular and effective service that customers are entitled to in accordance with federal law.

(If the post office is to be closed or has been closed by emergency suspension and they offer rural delivery as the alternative service, use the following).

We do not believe closing our post office and providing delivery and retail service by a carrier meets the requirements of the above mentioned rule.  It is very inconvenient for customers to purchase money orders/stamps and sending/receiving accountable mail such as registered and certified mail.  We are also concerned about vandalism, theft of our mail, and identity theft.

(If the Postal Service offers service through a community post office or village post office (contract facility), use the following).

The decision to change our post office to a contract facility is unacceptable.  We are concerned that a contract employee may not be adequately trained, provide efficient prompt service that we have received for years and are very concerned about mail security.  Only limited postal services will be offered at this “new” office.   We understand that money order service will not be available at a contract facility.  Also, the Postal Service can terminate the contract and close the contract facility at any time and we customers would lose our appeal rights to the Postal Regulatory Commission.

(If the Postal Service is consolidating with a neighboring post office, use the following).

The decision has been made to combine our post office with the (insert name and state of post office) and we strongly oppose this action.  The postmaster plays an important role in our community, especially for the elderly and infirm.  Many of our residents do not drive or even have checking accounts and they will be hit hard by this decision because our postmaster assists them in meeting their obligations.  Our postmaster helps them pay bills, writes money orders and provides much non-postal caretaking. 

(Use this paragraph in all the situations previously listed).

Our post office represents the federal government to our residents and it is hard for us to understand the reasoning.  We understand that the Postal Service has financial issues but isn’t it against the law to close a post office just to save money?  How can the federal government spend billions of dollars in an attempt to create jobs and then a branch of the federal government eliminates vital jobs in small towns?   Rural America is just as important as urban America.  A post office in urban America may be a luxury or a convenience but in rural America a post office is a necessity and we are proud to see our flag flying over our post office every day.

Sincerely,

(Community leader signs with name and address and attaches a copy of a petition signed by residents who want to keep their post office).