To the Editor:
For many months the Webster area has been without a post office. This has placed a considerable burden on the approximately 200 people who hold Webster post office boxes, as well as other community members needing to mail a package or pay a bill. The extra driving to the Sylva P.O. is particularly challenging to seniors and to those dependent on the postal office for delivery of medications.
The current Webster mayor and town board have played a role in connecting the postal service with potential replacement sites. Numerous sites have been looked into, but at this point nothing definite has been found. However, there remain some very good possibilities.
I was disturbed by some of the responses to the issue of the post office from candidates in the upcoming town board elections (per recent Smoky Mountain News article). While most “acknowledge the hardship,” none take a strong leadership stand. Dale Collins, the only incumbent running, is described as saying that “federal facilities are beyond the town’s control.” Brad Reisinger is reported as thinking “the focus should remain on the responsibilities that actually belong to the board.”
The closing of the Webster post office, which also featured a community bulletin board and small community library, removes a significant and long-standing hub of the community. Reversing this loss demands and needs strong leadership and a clear and stated willingness to pursue this to the end.
The burden of losing the post office will fall even harder with the start of the N.C. 107 road project; the commute will be subject to both delay and detour. The many seniors in the area will get even older and less able to make the drive. If an address change is needed in the future, this could seriously affect voters who may not make an address change in time.
To the town board and candidates — please make this your highest priority.
Louise Runyon
Sylva