It is clear that the U.S. Postal Service has to do something to get its proverbial house in order when it comes to operational expenses. The big question remains: What will be done and will all geographical areas be treated fairly?

Those issues were on the minds of citizens and rural post office employees who gathered in Waterloo earlier this week to ask questions and get answers about the proposed future of five rural post offices here in Lawrence County and many more across the nation.

It is no secret that the USPS is facing significant challenges, as mail volume continues to drop and budget shortfalls climb as high as $9 million.

We understand that the agency is still in the fact-finding stage and hasn’t yet made a decision on how it will proceed.

It is long past time that the U.S. Postal Service take a hard look at everything it does and find ways to stay viable in today’s changing economy and changing world.

Gathering information is important and should be done objectively, consistently and fairly.

Then, before a decision is made, the Postal Service should share its findings with the public and those impacted, clearly explaining what decisions will be made and why.

The world has changed People’s needs have changed. The Postal Service needs to change as well.