Move your mailbox if you want

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Although a recent letter from the Post Office might not sound like it, moving Marion mailboxes to the curb is voluntary, Marion Postmaster Lori Kelsey said.

Letters recently went out to about 100 Marion residents asking them to move their mailboxes to the curb.

Moving mailboxes to the curb will increase efficiency and safety, however, it’s not mandatory, Kelsey said.

“This request is strictly voluntary,” she said. “Those customers who received the letter do not have to move their mailbox unless they want to do so. We apologize the letter was not more clear it is voluntary.”

Carriers’ safety would be enhanced through less exposure to dogs and fewer accidents caused by the carrier tripping over obstacles or slipping on icy walkways, porches, and stairs, Kelsey said.

One Marion resident who got the letter is contemplating the idea but hasn’t made definite plans to move his mailbox.

“I think it’s a good idea, especially if it keeps them from sliding on slick driveways and the steps or what have you,” Keith Allison said.

Allison said he’s waiting to see if the other neighbors are going to move their mailboxes.

“I talked to the letter carrier and he said ‘I’ll let you know when it needs to be done,’” Allison said.