Lexington Minuteman
Thursday, August 7, 2003

Editorial: Kudos for fighting FedEx at Hanscom

Kudos to those who have used their voice to make a difference.

After letter writing, signs saying "Stop FedEx," calls and meetings - true grassroots efforts - the town of Lexington - both the municipal and school departments - is boycotting Federal Express.

The corporate shipping giant - known worldwide for its express delivery service - is attempting to squeeze into Hanscom Field with cargo flights. Plans for FedEx include one flight a day before 11 p.m., five days a week. Also included are an estimated 28 trips by 18-wheelers to deliver packages from the airport to residences and businesses.

But activist groups Safeguarding the Historic Hanscom Area's Irreplaceable Resources and Save our Heritage decided they could not let this happen and began a campaign called "Stop FedEx," which included sending out pre-written letters and post cards to be mailed to FedEx and local papers.

But activists weren't the only ones taking action. There were also businesses who stopped using FedEx unless it pulled out of Hanscom. One of those business owners is Lexington resident Patrick Mehr.

"I think it's outrageous that a major corporation that is supposed to be sensitive to important issues such as preservation of the environment would even think for a second to have a large ... cargo operation in the middle of Minute Man National Historical Park. It's completely irresponsible," he said to the Minuteman last month.

But Mehr's efforts did not stop at boycotting the company. He also asked the town of Lexington to boycott FedEx. And his efforts were successful. An administrative directive from Town Manager Richard White, dated July 30, told employees effective Aug. 1, the "town of Lexington will no longer be conducting, supporting or engaging in any business activities with Fedex. Any charges for services place for processing for any service from Aug. 1, and beyond will be returned and the responsibility for payment will be incurred by the initiator. This administrative directive will remain in effect until FedEx decides to abandon its plan for use of Hanscom Airfield." Even though FedEx has not announced plans to pull out of Hanscom, kudos are in order for Mehr, as well as Shhair, Save our Heritage and the town of Lexington, for having the courage to speak up. Because of you, FedEx is losing a large amount of business, and will soon have to listen.

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