POSTAL: Keep Saturday delivery

The announcement to end Saturday delivery of mail by August 5 is an unnecessary and negative procedure in order to save money. Trading 17 percent for service for 2 percent in savings does not make much business sense. No taxpayer dollars are used. The 2006 congressional mandate to pre-fund future retirees’ health benefits for 10 years is the real problem accounting for 80 percent of the Postal Service’s red ink. This loss in service would disproportionately affect the elderly, rural communities and small businesses.

I have heard some say that they would not care if Saturday mail delivery was discontinued. Are you willing to take a chance that something important may come for you in the mail only to be delayed? Why take chances when it is unnecessary? Once Saturday mail delivery is gone, it will be gone forever. What will be the trend after that; four day delivery, three day, and then two day delivery?

It is estimated that 25,000 jobs, which would include many veterans, would be eliminated if Saturday mail delivery was discontinued.

Ending Saturday delivery would greatly endanger the mission of providing the best possible service to the American people.

JOHN PAIGE

Idaho State Association of Letter Carriers

Pocatello