WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) applauded the Postmaster’s decision today to maintain service at the Barnum Post Office in Bridgeport and the Glen Brook and West Avenue stations in Stamford. Congressman Himes and local officials have been fighting side-by-side all summer to keep these offices open.
“As we work to shore up budgets and save taxpayer funds in these challenging economic times, we must be sure to maintain vital services,” said Congressman Himes. “I’m pleased these offices will continue to serve as anchors for economic activity Bridgeport and Stamford, but I strongly urge the Postmaster to reconsider the decision to close the Noble station. The livelihoods of neighborhood families and businesses depend on these services.”
In June, the Postmaster announced that four post offices in Fairfield County were on the chopping block. As part of consolidation efforts, the Postmaster planned to close the Barnum and Noble offices in Bridgeport and the Glen Brook and West Avenue offices in Stamford. Congressman Himes immediately began gathering community support for these offices and sent the Postmaster a letter urging that the offices remain open. Key to the Congressman’s argument was the local economic impact the closings would have. In the letter, Congressman Himes wrote:
In these difficult times, I understand and full support the need for cost-cutting and evaluation of ways to improve efficiency. However, I ask that you not forget that, although consolidation could yield a small marginal gain in revenue of the USPS, the community and economic toll that consolidations take could be detrimental at the local level. There are people in Connecticut—from small businesses to young kids waiting for birthday presents—that depend on an accessible and convenient experience with the post office and there are significant numbers of jobs that could be in jeopardy from cuts.
Congressman Himes and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch will continue to pursue their efforts to save the Nobel Post Office.