USPS council could lead to marginal improvements

The United States Postal Service has received its fair share of criticism in recent months. There have been changes in pickup times, with mail from the area sent to St. Louis before returning.

Particularly during the winter weather, many customers were receiving mail late into the evening.

Several complaints have appeared in this newspaper's Speak Out section. In past stories, some businesses also have expressed concerns.

Tonight starts a new chapter for our local postal service. A USPS Consumer Advisory Council will be established. The first meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

The program has been used in other communities for about 20 years, and we understand it to be an opportunity for customers to sit on the council and hear from other customers. Officials with the postal service will answer questions, clarify the procedures and discuss rules, according to a postal service news release.

Another council will be established in Springfield, Mo. Gabrielle Garrean, acting manager of marketing for the USPS Mid America District, told the Southeast Missourian the postal service felt the need to get a "better feel" for concerns of customers there and in Cape Girardeau.

The postal service faces challenges, including pension payments. And more electronic communication and less mail volume presents a hurdle, but there is still a need for reliable and timely mail service.

Given the trends we've seen and lack of impact from other "listening" sessions, we're skeptical that the program will result in major changes. However, the opportunity remains for marginal improvements in Cape Girardeau and other offices.

If you're interested in serving on the council or would like to learn more about the opportunity to share concerns, we encourage you to attend the meeting tonight.

Applications to serve on this council also can be picked up at the Cape Girardeau Post Office at 475 Kell Farm Drive.