Does this postal chairman's lobbying history pose a conflict of interest?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Does this postal chairman's lobbying history pose a conflict of interest?

By Josh Hicks December 4 @reporter_hicks

The U.S. Postal Service is in a position to earn billions of dollars a year by entering the payday-loan business, but former banking lobbyist Mickey Barnett could block its path.

Barnett now chairs the USPS Board of Governors. He previously represented the interests of payday lenders, the very folks who stand to lose out if the Postal Service grabs a share of the small-loan market. ... By venturing into the loan business, the Postal Service could experience an influx of new revenue after eight straight years of multibillion-dollar losses. Would Barnett support such a move, or would he oppose it because of his old ties to the banking industry?

Either way, the Leadership Conference on Human and Civil Rights sees a potential conflict of interest. The group issued a letter to all members of the Senate this week urging the lawmakers not to confirm Barnett for another term until he thoroughly explains his positions on payday lending.
....

A report this year from the USPS inspector general said the Postal Service could offer interest rates of 28 percent on payday loans, which would be far lower than the triple-digit rates that traditional lenders charge.

and:

Major civil rights coalition opposes postal consolidation; hits official's appointment

The Fed Page
By Joe Davidson Columnist December 4 @JoeDavidsonWP

For generations, the U.S. Postal Service had a reputation for employing African Americans when many others would not.

Even slaves delivered mail.
....

But now, a major civil rights coalition is concerned that current policies could dull the luster on that legacy. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights says Postal Service consolidation plans could harm the black community that has depended on it.

In a related issue, the Leadership Conference also urged the Senate to delay confirmation of Mickey D. Barnett’s reappointment to the Postal Service’s Board of Governors. Barnett, chairman of the board, has lobbied for the payday lending industry, which a Leadership Conference letter to senators said has been “harmful” and “destructive” to black and brown communities.

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[kickysnana]

1. Obviously anything being a conflict of interest was abolished in 2003 here in the USA. n/t