Saturday Mail Debate Continues

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Created on Thursday, 28 March 2013 16:16
Written by Courtland Hanley

Saturday Mail DeliveryLYNDON - The debate over whether or not to stop Saturday mail delivery continues. The latest development includes a letter that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders wrote to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.

Donahoe's plan to end mail delivery on Saturday comes as an effort to cut costs. The Postal Service is in a growing deficit, after losing $16 billion last year.

Local resident Don Howland, who picks his mail up from the post office, had this to say on the matter. "If it's going to save the postal service, yes, you've got to do something. The costs, they're in the red. You've gotta do something to save it."

On the other side of the coin you'll find Senator Bernie Sanders.

Sander's letter to Donahoe expresses his displeasure with the plan to stop delivering mail on Saturday's. He states that it's in fact illegal for post offices to put an end to Saturday mail delivery, urging Donahue "make it clear to the American people that the USPS will continue Saturday mail delivery in adherence with the law as soon as possible.". Also, some people believe cutting mail delivery on Saturday's is far from enough to stop the bleeding. Sanders also states that the USPS is financially hurting due to a 2006 law limiting new possibilities for the Postal Service to create new sources of income. 

Pam Tanyck, who receives her mail at home, also wants to continue receiving mail on Saturdays. "I personally feel that we still need mail deliveries on Saturdays. Otherwise, Monday's going to be a hectic time, and I personally like to get myself in order and know what I'm going to be doing for the next day. So I like it on Saturdays."

Howland proposed another solution to the situation. "Do you want to know what I really think? Everybody go out who wants to buy a stamp. That'll help for sure. You're using e-mail too much. That's putting these guys out of work."

If Donahoe's plan passes, direct mail and magazines won't be delivered on Saturday's after August first. Packages and prescription, however, will still be delivered. Until then, Senator Sanders will continue to fight the plan.