Published: May 01, 2008 10:41 am      

Get involved to stop Social Security office closing

Clinton has received word that the Social Security Office located on Fourth Avenue South will close at the end of May and merge with the Davenport office effective June 1, 2008.

The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce has begun a petitioning effort to keep the office at its current location. The Clinton census of population (2000) indicates that we have a demographic of 54.5 percent that falls into the age categories of 35 to 64 years and 65 years and up. This census was 2000; we are entering the Social Securities benefit years for the “Boomers.”

At this particular time, when gas prices are at an all time high and our Senior citizens are on fixed incomes, it seems most illogical to consolidate offices and force our citizens to drive 80 miles to speak to a representative.

More importantly, when citizens are applying for benefits, they would like a face-to-face, personal meeting between Social Security employees and the people they serve.

While I fully understand the perceived need for downsizing, the timing of this announcement and the short period of time in which to react to the announcement has brought this issue to an “urgent” status for Clinton.

If you would like to see the Social Security Office remain in Clinton, you need to take action now!! If you want to sign a petition to be sent to our local representatives, please stop in at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Center at 315 S. Second St., Clinton.

In addition to that option, please contact your local representatives at the following phone numbers: Senator Charles Grassley at (452) 322-4331; Senator Tom Harkin, (563) 322-1338; Congressman Bruce Braley at (563) 323-5988. Unless they hear from the general public regarding this issue, they do not know there is an issue.

Thank you for your time and response to this urgent request for assistance in maintaining a Social Security Office in Clinton.

Julie Allesee,

President of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce