L E T T E R   T O   T H E   E D I T O R

USPS and the Islands

When people think of the islands off the coast of Maine, they often picture hard-working people who rely on self-sufficiency and cooperation to deal with the unique demands of island living.

There is one aspect of life that is often overlooked, the economic base. Small populations generate small amounts of discretionary income. Many people wear more than one hat out of economic necessity. One such necessity centers around the need to have goods transported to an island. Everyday needs such as food, medicine, and unforeseen emergencies require a dependable supply source or lifeline. The small population cannot support a necessary supply system that exists economically on its’ own revenue. This is why some islands have no stores or have stores that must struggle to survive.

The people of Frenchboro and Swans Island received a shock when they were told that their supplier of over half a century, would no longer be able to carry mail and supplies. The ferry was now considered a “highway” and now necessities could no longer be delivered with the mail. This decision would destroy the supply link for the islands. Without the mail contract, it is not economically feasible for a supply service to exist.

To many, this seems to be the height of hypocrisy. The United States Post Office itself has initiated programs to test grocery delivery along with the mail. In addition, it has boasted that for over fifteen years, postal workers have collected and distributed millions of tons of food to help the needy. What about the people of Frenchboro and Swans Island who need food, medicine, and supplies to maintain their physical and economic well-being?

It is not important whether this decision was based on institutional or personal initiative, malice or ignorance of islanders’ needs. What is important is the negative impact that it has on all islanders and the dangerous precedent that it establishes for all other islands serviced by the United States Postal System. For a more personal view of this issue, please view David K. Shipler on this matter at shiplerreport.blogspot.com (June 3, 2016).

Coverage of this problem by WABI, WLBZ, The Bangor Daily News, Ellsworth American and others have presented this dilemma to the public but the negative impact on two island populations cannot be overemphasized. The Postal Service appears to simply be ignoring this issue. Please help the people of Frenchboro and Swans Island right this wrong.

Sincerely,
John R. Williams, Swan’s Island