You may recall seeing stories about Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) Chairman Ruth Goldway going on taxpayer-financed trips to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and Doha, UAE, among other hot spots – while also racking up $18,000 in travel expenses on her official credit card. (This mess was also discussed on an episode of “Speaking of Taxpayers”).
Well, after over four years at the head of the PRC her term has run out, a likely relief for consumers and taxpayers.
National Taxpayers Union (NTU) welcomed the news last week that Robert Taub will be elevated from Commissioner to Acting Chairman. This change offers the hope of reform for the struggling U.S. Postal Service, which the PRC oversees.
The financial struggles of the USPS are no secret: quarterly billion-dollar losses will only increase cries for government assistance – which could cost taxpayers dearly if Congress sanctions a bailout.
The PRC has a big hand to play in avoiding that fate, which is why NTU urged that, “the administration must strongly consider making Taub’s appointment permanent. The USPS cannot continue its downward spiral and must reverse its course for the sake of the nation’s taxpayers and all who need reliable mail delivery.”
The right new leadership is a necessary beginning of meeting the challenge.