With last year’s $16 billion loss combined with another increase in the price of stamps for a first-class letter, there are alternatives to “How do you feel about the impending end of Saturday mail” (Street Talk by Adjani Shah, February 21).
Why not consider untapped revenue sources available to reduce operating deficits and perhaps even turn a small profit? The US Postal Service could sell advertising space on the sides of mailboxes, inside and outside the post offices along with on the small jeeps, regular trucks and heavy-duty long-haul trucks. Sell off some of the valuable real estate and move to less expensive locations.
Why not join banks and fast-food restaurants that sublet space at Wal-Mart and other big box stores to open smaller post offices? Generate both revenue and customers by subletting excess capacity at underutilized post offices to other city or state agencies along with private sector businesses. License corporations to sponsor stamps for a fee
Have members of Congress, the state Legislature and City Council pay the real, full costs for their annoying frequent bulk rate mailings to constituents. They are nothing more than free re-election campaign brochures subsidized by taxpayers.
Charge the full price for all junk mail. Future increases in the price of stamps should be directly tied to inflation.
Why not apply free-enterprise solutions to provide a more cost-effective product, reduce deficits and prevent more branches from closing?
Larry Penner
