The 2011 NAPUS Executive Committee got down to business Friday morning to address the challenges facing the organization, as well as the Postal Service. President Bob Rapoza told board members they must focus on the big picture and not sweat the small stuff. “We need to look at where we want to go,” he said. “Tough choices have to be made.”
In talking about the Postal Service’s intent to close 10,000 post offices, he said the agency has a plan in place. And it is NAPUS’ job to ensure the USPS stays within its legal bounds. “We have to hold their feet to the fire,” he urged.
Rapoza said the issues facing NAPUS are symptomatic of the Postal Service’s financial condition and Postmasters need to keep the pressure on Congress. It is up to our legislators to offer relief for the Postal Service’s retirement system overpayments and its onerous retiree health prefunding requirements.
NAPUS leaders at all levels continue to represent the best interests of Postmasters. “We can’t let our past accomplishments be overshadowed,” Rapoza exclaimed. “NAPUS will face our challenges head-on, in a calm manner.”
Secretary-Treasurer Ruthie Cauble told the board, “NAPUS members are looking to us for leadership.” And Director of Government Relations Bob Levi summarized the current legislation proposed by various members of Congress.
He said post offices are going to be closed, but the closures will comply with the law. NAPUS needs to protect Postmasters.
A new wrinkle was introduced recently when the White House asked for a 90-day delay of the Postal Service’s $5.6 billion payment due for prefunding retiree health benefits. In fact, Postmaster General Pat Donahoe, who was planning on being at the convention on Monday to address Postmasters, canceled yesterday. He has a meeting early next week to hear the White House’s proposal. The PMG hopes to address the convention via videoconference.