Letters-to-the-Editor: Thu 12/1/2011 4:23 PM

Malden WA closure effect on seniors and handicapped

Mr. Granholm,
 The proposal to close Malden, WA postoffice does not sufficiently address the effect on seniors and handicapped. Malden is on the edge of the High Desert of Eastern Washington. It is subject to extreme high and low tempurtures. While this CBU highway route proposal may work in other locations, it is not feasable here in Malden. The following letter outlines some of my concerns:

From: Nicholas Backman ,

P.O. Box 355,  Malden, WA  99149-0355

    To: Doreen Karoly

           P.O. Box 90409

           Seattle WA      98109-9402

RE: Docket # 1371535-99149 Proposal to close Malden WA post office

Effect on seniors and handicapped

In the proposal it is stated “This proposed office provides assistance to the senior and handicapped citizens (.) Senior and handicapped citizens will continues (sic) to be assisted by all USPS employees.”

That statement does not explain the effect on seniors and handicapped. It is obvious that the USPS will continue to assist the seniors and handicapped. What needs to be investigated and considered is what effect this closure will have on the ability of seniors, handicapped and poor to reach a USPS employee to receive assistance.  There is no public transportation (bus, taxi, etc.) available in Malden. Many folks rely on the generosity of their neighbors for rides out of town. Having to ask for a ride can be damaging to the self-esteem of seniors and handicapped.

Under your proposal, anyone wanting to conduct business with the carrier will have to do so out in the elements, whether it be rain, sleet, snow, blistering heat or 50 mph winds. Seniors and handicapped are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat or cold. The mail truck can and will experience delays of unknown duration, further exacerbating the problem of having to wait to conduct business outdoors.

Half the population of Malden is over 50. The oldest resident in town is 98 years old. Imagine the inconvenience he and other home bound residents will face as they wait for their care giver to return either from Rosalia (if the road doesn’t drift shut) or from a prolonged delay waiting at the CBU for a carrier that is late due to road conditions.

Please think this thru, apparently no one has. While this proposal may work in more temperate climates, it is not appropriate here. Bearing in mind the proper usage of the term “regular” as I outlined in this morning’s letter (customary, usual, normal) this proposal does NOT provide a maximum degree of effective and regular postal services to our special population.

Thank You

Nick Backman