20030421Comment.pdf

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
911 North 7th Avenue
O. Box 4169
Pocatello, Idaho 83205
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.cityofpocatello.org
ROGER W. CHASE
Mayor
Pocatello City Council:
RON FRASURE
GARY MOORE
HARRY NEUHARDT
EVA JOHNSON NYE
RICHARD STALLINGS
BRIAN T. UNDERWOODA MUNICIPAL CORP()RR1()N OF IDAHO
April 17, 2003
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF
QWEST CORPORATION TO PHASE OUT AND)
CLOSE THE BOISE AND POCATELLO
CUSTOMER PAYMENT CENTERS.
CASE NO. QWE-03-
ORDER NO.29218
The City ofPocatello, Idaho hereby objects to the closing--ofthe customer payment centers
(CPCs) located in Pocatello and Boise. We believe that the Qwest Corporation has an obligation
to maintain the CPCs in Idaho for the convenience of their customers and for the well being of
our communities.
The importance of personal contact cannot be overlooked in this age of technology. While the
automatic payment and other options noted by Qwest are available, many individuals prefer to
conduct business in person. Automated systems and call centers are becoming popular, but
personal contact allows customers to feel valued. The City is in a similar situation. Our utility
customers have requested various payment options, which we are beginning to provide, but we
understand that we will never be able to close our payment windows.
In addition, Pocatello has experienced the closure of several businesses over the last few years
and any loss of jobs in our community greatly concerns us. The individuals working at this CPC
would be losing their livelihoods, which has a direct impact on Pocatello and the State ofldaho.
The taxes and income recognized by these jobs will most likely be going out of state.
We ask that the Idaho Public Utilities Commission not allow the Qwest Corporation to close the
CPCs in Idaho.
Sincerely,
Roger W. Chase
Mayor
cc:Adam L. Sherr, Qwest
Susan Mohr, Qwest
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