Restore Social Security field rep | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To the editor:

In reference to “Langley’s Social Security contact station closing” (Record, May 7) I have sent the following message to our U.S. congressional delegation — including U.S. Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Congressman Larsen:

“As a member of the Langley City Council, I am writing on behalf of many of my constituents — seniors, disabled citizens and their families — who have had excellent service from the Social Security Administration Field Representative who regularly visited the Senior Services of Island County’s Bayview Center.

That essential one-to-one service ended today (May 12, 2011).

The city of Langley, and much of south Whidbey Island has a significant and growing population of people at risk who would benefit from the restoration of this field service.

Cheryn Weiser, director of SSIC at Bayview, advises me that approximately 25 citizens meet with the SSA representative during each of his monthly two-hour sessions on the island. This person-to-person approach is effective and efficient for a population unfamiliar or uncomfortable with e-mail, websites and even telephone systems. (Even taking into consideration the field rep’s travel time by ferry — during which he can work on his laptop and communicate via cell — this service remains a good use of federal employee time.)

I and my constituents would very much appreciate your looking into this matter with a view toward restoring this service — even if on a reduced schedule.

Thank you.”

I ask that everyone who reads this letter follow suit and contact our U.S. elected representatives to restore this very useful service to our community.

Councilman Hal Seligson

Langley

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