The planned closure of the Auburn office of the Social Security Administration could have a detrimental impact on thousands of local people, and we urge our lawmakers - at every level - to fight to keep it open.

In a May 24 letter to U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, Social Security commissioner Michael Astrue said changing demographics and budget constraints were making it difficult to maintain offices in all their current locations.

Astrue said his regional staff was investigating locations in Auburn where services may be provided “on a periodic basis,” and said that, otherwise, people could get information over the telephone or Internet and travel to Geneva or Syracuse for face-to-face interviews.

Arcuri this week requested to meet with Astrue to discuss the current services being administered in Auburn and the projected retirement applications in the region for the next five years.

Arcuri said a significant increase in Social Security recipients can be expected as baby boomers begin to retire. He called it “unconscionable” that people should be required to travel long distances for services.

Also this week, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer called for a major influx of money to fix what he called “a Social Security disability system that is in shambles.”

Schumer said an increase in federal funding would keep the Auburn office afloat.

Auburn and the surrounding area has a significant population of senior citizens who would find it terribly burdensome to try to conduct their private business over the phone or on the Internet.

And elderly and disabled Social Security beneficiaries shouldn't be asked to travel to Geneva or Syracuse for services.

While there is still a chance to keep the Auburn office open, city, county, state and federal officials must all press the issue before it's too late.