In one way it is fortunate that the U.S. Postal Service is a government agency, with officials who are sensitive to political concerns. Postal Service executives understand that upsetting too many people is not good for their futures.
We encourage local residents to make it clear to the agency that if it goes through with a plan involving the Wheeling Post Office, many people will be very upset.
Last year it was announced that the Postal Service is considering a plan to move some mail processing operations out of Wheeling and to Pittsburgh. Obviously, that would affect local mail service adversely, despite the agency's claims to the contrary.
It also would affect several jobs at the Wheeling facility, though the Postal Service insists those affected would be offered positions elsewhere.
Enough opposition to the plan has been heard for the Postal Service to schedule a public hearing on it. The hearing will be held from 7-9 p.m., Jan. 13 in the Wheeling Park High School auditorium.
We agree with Don Bentz, president of the Wheeling Area Local of the American Postal Workers Union. "Let's pack this place and voice our concerns," Bentz said of the hearing.
Precisely. If enough opposition to the plan is heard, the Postal Service will reconsider it. If comparatively few complaints are heard, the plan will move forward. The situation is that simple.