The Postal Regulatory Commission has dismissed the appeal on the closing of the contract postal unit in Careywood, Idaho. It was a terrible decision. It is illogical and inconsistent with the Commission’s own precedents, and it creates a new precedent that endangers not only all contract post offices, but every post office in the country.
The numerous problems with the Commission’s ruling are discussed in a scathing eight-page dissenting opinion issued by Commissioner Ruth Goldway. Unlike the majority opinion, the dissent is consistent with Commission precedents, cognizant of the Postal Service’s obligations to the rural public, and respectful of the Commission’s own statutory responsibilities.
“The majority opinion also bases its decision on the as yet undocumented availability of internet service and of the Postal Service website USPS.com to residents of Careywood. The opinion seems to be establishing a precedent – contrary to current law – that internet service along with rural delivery is the new standard for adequate rural postal service and that no rural community would need to be served by a post office. If the availability of internet service along with rural delivery is enough to preclude having a post office, then it is hard to see why any community would need a post office.”
Sadly, Goldway was the lone voice of reason on the Commission. She was also alone yesterday in a second dissenting opinion when the Commission dismissed a complaint filed by the APWU concerning the Postal Service’s failure to meet its new service standards.