To the editor:

The Lecompton post office is open for the present. If it will be open after the next USPS review or lease renewal is an open question. One hopes Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins’ staff’s assessment that the Lecompton post office does not meet the USPS’ own criteria for closing is correct. USPS’ only response has been, “It is under review.”

The first two steps USPS usually makes before closure have occurred: failure to replace the retired Lecompton postmaster and transferring the rural routes for ZIP code 66050 to Perry. The Lecompton carriers were given 10 days to accept the transfer because their jobs were being “excessed,” or being terminated. The term used by USPS, “excessed,” is curious inasmuch as the carriers were moved to Perry but continue to serve the same Lecompton routes.

USPS inefficiencies do not occur at the local post offices scheduled to be closed. Yet, there are no indications that USPS plans to eliminate middle or upper management positions. Instead, USPS management chooses to eliminate or reduce service and increase inconvenience to their captive customer.

USPS was given exclusive rights to deliver first-class mail under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970. Yet, it has managed to create a deficit of $7 billion to $8 billion for 2011. This is an indictment of upper management.

USPS is governed by the postmaster general and two separate six member commissions, all appointed by the president, subject to Senate confirmation. Otherwise, USPS is not accountable to the U.S. government. Further, USPS claims to be exempt from most requirements of the Freedom of Information Act! How can that be possible?