Dear Editor:
As you might be aware the US Postal System (USPS) is undergoing sever financial strain losing over $10 billion last year. Part of the blame is a bloated pension system that affects other governmental units. But the biggest problem is the modern internet where many consumers such as myself use email, fax, Billpay, direct credit card or PayPal whenever possible. There has to be some consolidation of offices, but I believe that the current plan to close all but the downtown River Street office is too draconian. They do plan to keep the Stevens post office open, which is privately run and can only used by their students. If you work like me and can’t always get to a Post Office I believe the line on Saturday (if they would even keep weekend hours) would be longer than Carlos’s Bakery. I attended the meeting at that office, only because I read about online.
There were are 2 dozen people there. One of the suggestions was to revive the postal trucks that were around 20 years ago. That suggestion was shot down over security. I replied that Fed Ex and UPS seem to have no problem with that. I would be in favor of closing the closest office to me (14th Street) because the Washington and 7th Street location is more central to most citizens. You might have other suggestions. I therefore urge everyone to go to you local office and ask for the questionnaire that I filled out. These must be completed by Christmas. We need as many people as possible to get involved if we are to save Hoboken’s Post Offices.
Scott Siegel