PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked people what they thought about the four-cent increase in first class postage that will raise the cost of a stamp to 29 cents beginning Feb. 3.

Kim Gibson: "I think it's ridiculous. If they're going to raise it to 29 cents, why not make it an even 30 cents? I don't think the service is good enough for them to keep raising it. It's all right to raise the other rates, but 29 cents is a lot just to mail my phone bill."

Mike Nance: "I feel the four-cent increase is not that much for our postal service as it is. I have no complaints with the service. The mail has got to get from here to there, and look how long they have been in business."

Ron Duff: "The increase doesn't surprise me at all with the cost of living also going up. Everything that I buy nowadays costs me more than it did yesterday. I've been very satisfied with their performance ever since I can remember."

Kim Freed: "It's a little high. I mail all of my bills and it seems to cost me a fortune. It's also ridiculous. It seems that every time you turn around, they're raising it. I am satisfied with the service, but I think that a four-cent jump is too much at one time."

Troy Stehr: "I don't think it was time for an increase. Does it really cost four cents more to deliver a letter? It will be a hassle to buy stamps. Now you can buy four stamps for a dollar, but with a 29 cent stamp, will you get about three and a half for a dollar?"

Jewell Clark: "I think it's ridiculous, because it's not worth it. I pay most of my bills in person because you can save that way. I think more people will use the telephone instead of using the mail. Then the postal service won't make as much money because of less mail sent."