City wins concessions on postal decision
By Bret Hayworth, Journal staff writer | Posted: Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Sioux City advocates who want to have input into the possible decision to move the local postal service distribution and processing center got some concessions Tuesday after a meeting that included Siouxland's congressional delegation.
Fearing that a now-completed U.S. Postal Service feasibility study could recommend shifting the Sioux City center to Sioux Falls, Sioux City officials since December have sought to get some input into the postal process.
With roughly 100 postal jobs in the balance, for the second time in nine weeks the congressional delegation representing Sioux City sat down with USPS senior vice president of operations Bill Galligan, and this time came away with some pleasing concessions, said U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin.
Grassley reported Galligan agreed to show the Siouxland congressional delegation the feasibility study before a final decision is made and that the postal service would hold a town hall meeting to discuss the feasibility study particulars with stakeholders.
"The main thing to achieve, and we got a tentative agreement on this," Grassley said, "was that the congressional delegation could see the study before any decisions are made. We think this would allow us to provide feedback and possible alternatives to the study." However, the senator said, Galligan was going to check with USPS counsel "to make sure (that step) is legally OK," that a member of Congress could see the report before a decision is made.
Regarding the town hall meeting, Harkin said that "while it's good news that USPS has finally agreed to hear from the public and share this vital information, it is long overdue. I hope that USPS comes to Sioux City with an open mind, because I believe the Siouxland community has quite a bit to say."
Sioux City city manager Paul Eckert said he was "very positive overall about the meeting" outcome, but like Harkin said the process must offer a real opportunity to be heard. Harkin had previously noted that nearly all prior USPS studies have led to the closing and consolidation of mail processing centers.
"Today's meeting assured us we would have a part in the analysis, so that improves our confidence. However, ultimately, I think we are in the mode of convincing USPS not to make a change," Eckert said. "... I'm still concerned about the long-term outcome."
Eckert said the feasibility study could be shared in roughly 30 days, while the town hall meeting would be in the range of 30 to 60 days away.
The meeting Tuesday lasted just under an hour. Also in the meeting with Galligan and USPS legislative liaison Sheila Meyers was 5th District Congressman Steve King, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce vice president Barb Sloniker and Journal publisher Ron Peterson.
Eckert said having King, Grassley and Harkin all together on behalf of the Sioux City mail processing center "demonstrated an aggressive commitment to the entire Siouxland region. To have them all in one room on any occasion is rare, and I think it sent a strong message to Mr. Galligan."
Said Grassley, "We will be following up to make sure the postal service follows through on what they said today."
Bret Hayworth may be reached at (712) 293.4203 or brethayworth@siouxcityjournal.com
Fearing that a now-completed U.S. Postal Service feasibility study could recommend shifting the Sioux City center to Sioux Falls, Sioux City officials since December have sought to get some input into the postal process.
With roughly 100 postal jobs in the balance, for the second time in nine weeks the congressional delegation representing Sioux City sat down with USPS senior vice president of operations Bill Galligan, and this time came away with some pleasing concessions, said U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin.
Grassley reported Galligan agreed to show the Siouxland congressional delegation the feasibility study before a final decision is made and that the postal service would hold a town hall meeting to discuss the feasibility study particulars with stakeholders.
"The main thing to achieve, and we got a tentative agreement on this," Grassley said, "was that the congressional delegation could see the study before any decisions are made. We think this would allow us to provide feedback and possible alternatives to the study." However, the senator said, Galligan was going to check with USPS counsel "to make sure (that step) is legally OK," that a member of Congress could see the report before a decision is made.
Regarding the town hall meeting, Harkin said that "while it's good news that USPS has finally agreed to hear from the public and share this vital information, it is long overdue. I hope that USPS comes to Sioux City with an open mind, because I believe the Siouxland community has quite a bit to say."
Sioux City city manager Paul Eckert said he was "very positive overall about the meeting" outcome, but like Harkin said the process must offer a real opportunity to be heard. Harkin had previously noted that nearly all prior USPS studies have led to the closing and consolidation of mail processing centers.
"Today's meeting assured us we would have a part in the analysis, so that improves our confidence. However, ultimately, I think we are in the mode of convincing USPS not to make a change," Eckert said. "... I'm still concerned about the long-term outcome."
Eckert said the feasibility study could be shared in roughly 30 days, while the town hall meeting would be in the range of 30 to 60 days away.
The meeting Tuesday lasted just under an hour. Also in the meeting with Galligan and USPS legislative liaison Sheila Meyers was 5th District Congressman Steve King, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce vice president Barb Sloniker and Journal publisher Ron Peterson.
Eckert said having King, Grassley and Harkin all together on behalf of the Sioux City mail processing center "demonstrated an aggressive commitment to the entire Siouxland region. To have them all in one room on any occasion is rare, and I think it sent a strong message to Mr. Galligan."
Said Grassley, "We will be following up to make sure the postal service follows through on what they said today."
Bret Hayworth may be reached at (712) 293.4203 or brethayworth@siouxcityjournal.com
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