I'm writing concerning the possibility of the Ballard Post Office's losing its lease and moving to the Annex near Fred Meyer. I've been told by post office employees that the thing to do is to contact our Congressman, Jim McDermott.

I have sent an e-mail and also will telephone his Seattle office. The number to call is 206.553.7170. The e-mail address is http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/contact.shtml. According to his Web site, for an urgent matter (which this possibly is) it is better to phone than to e-mail, although I'd suggest doing both. Here is a copy of what I e-mailed, and it will also be what I say on the phone:

The Ballard Post Office (corner of Northwest 57th Street and 17th Avenue Northwest) is in danger of losing its lease, which means the post office would move to the Post Office Annex, located in a nonresidential area accessible only by car. It is presently centrally located and within walking distance of a great many residents, a large percentage of whom are older people. If it loses its lease, it will cause a great deal of hardship and make it extremely difficult for Ballard residents, including those with post office boxes. I am writing to ask that you please take action to keep the post office where it is now.

Jenny Garden

Ballard