Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Cutting Saturday mailnot as easy as it sounds
EDITOR
The Postal Service recently stated to the American people that it is losing money and to cut costs it may have to suspend Saturday delivery. For many of us who work for the Postal Service we see this as nothing more than a ploy by the USPS in Washington and the politicians along with their big business cohorts to privatize the Postal Service.
Who suffers is the American public. Does anyone really believe that if big business takes over the operation of the Postal Service they would service everyone at the same rate? Some people complain now of a penny increase. What would they do if big business comes in and takes us over and raises rates considerably? They are in it to be profitable. The American public deserves and demands service we provide at a cost that is the same for everyone, "universal service, " no matter where one lives.
I am totally against this insane concept of eliminating Saturday deliveries. The clerk, motor vehicle and maintenance craft employees currently work seven days a week, a 24/7 operation. Processing and transportation of the mail, along with maintenance of equipment to insure its proper operation, would have to be on weekends. With weekend duties not being performed, Monday's mail would not be able to reach the station, branches and associate offices we serve. All mail would not get out on Mondays without the use of overtime, so where is the savings? How about when a holiday falls on Monday? Mail that you should receive on Saturdays would not be received until Tuesdays.
Let's face it. The Postal Service has intentionally overspent and wasted money. There's no accountability. The American public must understand that their tax dollars are not used to fund the Postal Service. It is self-supporting through the sale of stamps and miscellaneous items. Through all the years the Postal Service has profited, except when it was close to labor contracts expiring -- then the money was not there.
The latest congressional hearings were a joke, with the Postal Service stating that 75 percent of the costs are due to the labor contracts and the Republicans complimenting Postmaster General Henderson for doing such a good job. The American Postal Workers union said some months ago that only nine cents out of a 33-cent stamp went for wages and benefits. Seems as though the Postal Service is feeding a line to the American people.
RAY STANAR
Youngstown
X The writer is president of Youngstown Local 443 of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.
Lakeview's chorus does parents and school proud
EDITOR:
Last week the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra; the Symphony Chorus, and the Lakeview High School Concert Choir combined to perform a "Concert in the Suburbs."
As a member of the Symphony Chorus, I must write to commend the students of Lakeview High School. Jane Page, their director, had them well-prepared to perform. Bach's Cantata No. 4 with the Symphony orchestra and chorus. It was a joy to sing alongside these students. But more than the choral preparation, I was impressed with the hospitality and polite reception we all received when we arrived at Lakeview High School in Cortland. Not only did the students welcome us as we entered the lobby, they were very solicitous of our needs and graciously escorted us to the dressing room, rehearsal area, etc.
With so many negative reports of teen-agers always in the papers, I just wanted to compliment the Lakeview High School students. Their parents and teachers should be very proud of them.
BERNIE DEMECHKO
Youngstown
A quick taste of home
EDITOR:
Thanks for your Website. It's good to be able to get the news from home so quickly.
I really appreciate it.
Major DAVE YEROPOLI
U.S.Army Medical Corps
X Major Yeropoli's letter was received by email and noted that he is serving with Task Force Med Falcon in Kosovo.