To the Editor,
Behind the scenes, without the knowledge of most, the Cohocton Post Office experienced a near-miss of losing their vintage clerk’s cage and front. The US Postal System had inspected the post office and decided to renovate the front making it handicapped assessible. The modification would have destroyed the aesthetic value of our vintage post office. Petitions were signed by the local public to stop this renovation and letters were sent to our government representatives to beg assistance. We are happy to report the modification has been stopped, the solution came in the form of a handicapped style desk being placed in the lobby. Our deepest thanks goes out to Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, Senator George Winner and a member of his staff, Phil Palmesano, and Senator Charles Schumer for going to bat for us and ultimately contacting the Office of Government Relations at the United States Postal Service on our behalf. Bacalles and Winner forwarded our concerns to others who also assisted with help. Schumer contacted Jo Waterman of the USPS. In addition, we received a follow-up letter from Kristen Gillibrand. We recently received a letter sent to Senator Schumer dated June 29-2010, from Ken Currier, Manager, Government Relations, stating that that proposed modifications had been cancelled and that no changes would be made at this time. It is gratifying to know that those who represent us will take the time to address our needs no matter how small they seem in the scope of daily government. Isn’t it refreshing to know that our representatives will cross party lines and work together for a common cause? Recently, we were honored with the attendance of Assemblyman Bacalles, who is currently running for the Senate seat being vacated by Winner, and Candidate Phil Palmesano, running for Bacalles’ seat, who took time from their busy schedules to attend our Community Picnic in Cohocton.
Jane Towner
Cohocton
