Post office cuts could hurt mail

BERNARDSTON, Mass.(WWLP) - Money problems for the US Postal Service could mean cuts in services but some say that could hurt the post office more than help.

They say rising rates or reducing services could turn people towards other outlets such as going online or other shipping services.

The Post Office has cut 200,000 jobs over the past few years, but is still facing billions of dollars in losses.

The Postal Service and Post Office Inspector general are looking for your ideas on how to cut back. Click Here for the Postal Regulatory Commission and Here for the Postal Inspector General.

For now postal officials say possibilities include the end of Saturday mail delivery, raising rates, closing offices and restructuring mail processing centers.

However Rob Ralstone says for small communities like Bernardston, closing offices should be off the table.

Right now he could walk to his post office if he wanted to.

"I have a fixed income, and if I have to travel to Greenfield to do my mailing duties, its not cost effective for me," said Ralstone.

Others say changes like no delivery on Saturday and an increase in rates would bring them online.

"There are certain checks I mail out, and with one more day I have to take into consideration for delivery, I might just start using my computer for everything," said Camilla Thacher of Bernardston.

Same customers say they understand cuts need to be made.

Dan Benoit, says he sends and receives packages daily, but said business would go on without Saturday delivery.

"As a business owner if something has to be cut, as far as costs goes, that would be the day to not get mail," said Benoit.

Local post offices have already experienced cuts.

A West Springfield processing center was closed down last year.