POSTAL: Keep offices open

Much has already been said about the current financial crisis with the Postal Service. A temporary solution not to close any more Mail Processing Centers or Post Offices until May 15 has been issued.

Until the real problem of the annual $5.5 billion pre-funding of future retiree health benefits is solved, the Postal Service will continue to have financial challenges in the future.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars. The solution is to recalculate the pre-funding formula and for the Postal Service to use its own massively over-funded retirement funds ($50 billion-$125 billion) to pay its debts. The closing of Mail Processing Centers and Post Offices only delays the mail which many Americans depend on for checks, medicine and other important correspondence. Many Americans also depend on six-day delivery.

The Postal Service is a nonprofit organization which makes sure that all Americans receive mail service no matter where you live, which makes a difference especially if you live in rural areas such as Idaho.

The employees of the Postal Service want to continue to give you the best value with the best possible service that you deserve.

JOHN PAIGE

President

Idaho State Association of Letter Carriers