The Observation Deck

Just got off the phone with Joe Benny, who was delighted to informa that thanks to Congressman Dennis Kucinich's hard work that the Social Security Office will not be moving!

You read it here first!

More as we get the news.

After Intervention By Kucinich, Social Security
Office Will Remain In Lakewood

After Nearly Year-Long Effort By Kucinich And Mayor George Social Security
Administration Has Announced It Will Not Move Lakewood Social Security Office

In a letter received yesterday, Social Security Administrator Jo Anne Barnhart informed Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) that the Social Security Administration will not move forward with the planned relocation of the Social Security office in Lakewood, Ohio. Yesterday's announcement comes after a nearly year-long effort by Kucinich and the Mayor of Lakewood, Thomas George, to block the relocation.

Yesterday's letter from Barnhart followed a May 3rd meeting in Kucinich's Washington office in which Kucinich laid out his strong objections to relocating the office out of Lakewood.

"This is a big victory for seniors in Lakewood, and for the entire community," stated Kucinich. "The Social Security office in Lakewood is centrally located and provides a vital service to the community. Because of our efforts, tens of thousands of seniors in Lakewood, and the surrounding communities, will continue to have access to this centrally located service center."

In September 2005, the General Services Administration (GSA) informed the City of Lakewood that it was going to move the Social Security office out of Lakewood. Immediately, Kucinich joined with Mayor George to protect the Lakewood facility.

Lakewood is a centrally located community with good public transportation and a large population of seniors and others with disabilities who easily access the Lakewood Social Security office.

Prior to the May 3rd meeting with Administrator Barnhart, in January, Kucinich met with the Regional Administrator and Regional Commissioner to oppose the move.

"I would like to thank Administrator Barnhart for correctly reversing the relocation order, and Mayor George for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Lakewood," continued Kucinich. "I look forward to working with the Social Security Administration to ensure that they keep a strong presence in Lakewood for years to come."

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That's great news for everyone.

Thanks to the Mayor and the Congressman for their efforts on behalf of all of us!

Bravo!! Thanks for the posting.

So does this mean that those in search of positive impact from the Congressman will relent?



Jeff

Jeff Endress wrote:So does this mean that those in search of positive impact from the Congressman will relent?



Jeff

More likely that someone will pick on him for being "big government" for supporting such an office.

That is great news. Glad to hear that common sense prevailed on this one. Moving the office really seemed like an odd choice. I may not be a big supporter of Mr. Kucinich or Mayor George but I see nothing wrong with giving kudos when kudos are due. Well done.