Keeping SSA office open is the right thing to do

May 02, 2008 11:51 pm

— At a time of economic downturns and cutbacks, it’s nice that Clinton got good news Friday. City officials learned on that day federal officials have agreed to keep Clinton’s Social Security Administration office open.
That office was pegged for closure as SSA officials looked to streamline services in Iowa to cut costs; Gateway-area folks would have been directed to the Davenport office.
It probably looked good on paper — what cost savings don’t? But when real-life factors were added into the equation, such as the fact that some people don’t have adequate transportation to get to Davenport, others don’t want to use the phone or Internet — and in the latter case, may not even have it — and some want to have face-to-face interaction in a world that is becoming more automated all the time, the bottom line included many reasons to keep the office open here.
Amid the outcry of residents, the intervention of city officials on their behalf, and the assistance of our federal legislators, Clinton will keep what it should have: A Social Security office that is in its boundaries and accessible to all those who need it — not just Clintonians but also those who live in the rural areas and outlying communities as well as our Illinois neighbors.
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce President Julie Allesee told us she was very proud of those who worked hard to make the outcome a successful one: “We’re extremely grateful the Clinton Social Security office will remain open. This is some really good news. Many people who utilize the services of the Social Security office want to see their case worker face-to-face so they have a clear understanding of what is going on. And we’re particularly pleased at the number of people that have helped us get this accomplished. Thank you to all those who have worked so hard and a special thank you to RSVP for their work in getting these petitions out and signed.”
Yes, oftentimes when decisions are made to downsize, it is nearly impossible to get a reversal, but in this case the powers that be listened. We thank them for doing so, and are grateful to our representatives for assisting and to the grassroots campaign that made it all happen.