Pictured below is the letter sent by Representative Mark Souder to David Williams, Inspector General regarding the Indiana Post Office consolidations.  The body of the letter reads:

“I am writing today requesting information on the consolidation of the rural carrier routes in my congressional district, IN-03.  This decision has lead to questions and concerns among my constituents living in the affeted towns and I would appreciate any clarification you could give me regarding this decision.

My district offices have been contacted by multiple towns in my district wanting answers regarding these consolidations and what they might mean in the long term.  While I have received basic answers from Indianapolis regarding their questions, I would like more specific, comprehensive answers.  The main concern, as you can imagine, is that the consolidation is a first step toward the eventual closing of post offices in my district.  While my office has received assurances from Indianapolis that this is not the case, having the following questions answered would be helpful.

First, is there a list of post offices in Indiana that are currently going through the consolidation process?  My Goshen District Office was told that there was no such list.  We are also interested to know if every post office selected for this consolidation is a post office that is leasing their building.  If, and when closings are scheduled in the future, are leased post offices more likely to be selected for closing?

Second, the Goshen News reported on December 11, that, “The consolidation is expected to save approximately $1.5 million each year just in the 465 ZIP code area.”. I would like to see a specific breakdown of where those cost savings will be realized.

Last, I assume there was a report, based on a study that set the criteria used to determine which post offices would be affected by a carrier consolidation.  Can a copy of the report be sent to my Goshen District Office (address below)?

I understand that the USPS will have to make difficult decisions as it struggles to become profitable.  At the same time, I want to make sure that post offices in my district are treated fairly an there is open communication between the post office and the communities that are being affected.

Please send your response to my Goshen District Office, 320 N. Chicago Ave., Suite 9B, Goshen, IN 46528 ATTN: Cory Martin.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.”