The auditorium at Greenwood High School had quite a large turnout. The postal service held its public meeting on the mail processing study. The debate continues as many raise questions at the validity of the proposal.

Many things are unclear because both sides are saying opposite things. For example, postal service managers say we won't see mail delays, but Bowling Green postal workers say we will.

The forum started out with facts from the postal service managers saying the consolidation proposal will only reduce costs and improve efficiency, assuring that the 21 jobs lost would be made up through bargaining agreements, and that delivery times would not be affected. But when the floor opened up some call it fiction.

"I can't quite buy your story," said one man who has worked with the Postal Service over 40 years.

Public officials voiced their concern too, all agreeing that the mail needs to stay in town. One postal worker says the transportation needed back and forth to Nashville will negate any money saved.

"The closest figures we can come up to it would cost an additional 2.2 million in transportation costs," said Dan Darrow, a USPS maintenance worker, "and to spend 2.2 million to save 1.9 million just doesn't make sense."
And many, including Darrow say Nashville is already struggling to keep up with the surplus of mail.

"They have problems trying to cope with it right now. It's not because the employees aren't doing their job, it's just because they have such a volume that they can't handle all of it," said Darrow.

Several say the better alternative is to let Bowling Green take on mail from northern Tennessee and Louisville, as Bowling Green has one of the most productive plants in the nation.

Public comments will be accepted through January 29 in Louisville, after that, a final decision will be made on the proposal.

If you'd like to mail comments, here's the mailing information:

CONSUMER AFFAIRS MANAGER
KENTUCKIANA DISTRICT
PO BOX 31631
LOUISVILLE, KY 40231-9631