On Dec. 5, the U.S. Postal Service requested an advisory opinion from the U. S. Postal Regulatory Commission on a proposed service change that would eliminate overnight mail service for significant portions of first-class mail and periodicals.

Two-day delivery would be greatly expanded, and some current two-day service would become three-day delivery. These changes would allow for the proposed closure of 252 mail- sorting facilities in the United States, including the General Mail Facility in Erie. I believe the proposed slower mail delivery and closing of the Erie facility is not in the public interest.

The potential closure of many mail-sorting facilities means regional and local mailers with fewer business mail entry units and drop ship locations could face additional costs if they have to transport mail over longer distances.

Eliminating overnight first-class mail service would mean commercial mailers of first-class mail, periodicals and standard mail who seek to have their mail reach recipients on specific delivery days may have to restructure their production cycles to align with the changed critical entry time and reduced number of entry points. Delivery of medical prescriptions could be delayed.

Customers that need next day first-class mail service would go to other companies to get that service. Closing many mail-processing facilities is losing infrastructure that might never be able to be replaced. No mail- processing facilities would remain in northern Pennsylvania and southern New York. Snowstorms could delay the mail to remaining mail-processing facilities.

Eliminating 35,000 mail-processing positions in tough economic times is counterproductive. The U.S. Postal Service needs to be looking for ways to strengthen service and increase its relevance in this age of digital communication. Here are some suggestions to generate more revenue as follows:

• Have major companies sponsor the printing of postage stamps with their logo on them. In 2010, more than 25 billion stamps were printed, so this expenditure could be largely eliminated.
• Have the U.S. Postal Service and public libraries team up for delivery of books to patrons. There are 9,225 public libraries in the United States, according to the American Library Association. Patrons would call their public libraries and request a book or books that could be sent out via U.S. Postal Service.
• Permit limited advertising on U.S. Postal Service vehicles to bring in revenue.

Obviously, many more ideas are needed. In talking with letter carriers, I have been impressed with their knowledge of the U.S. Postal Service. They're the best source to generate more ideas.

In 30 years, the United States will have 100 million more people with more potential customers for the U.S. Postal Service. Saving the U.S. Postal Service makes economic sense. I have sent in my comments on the proposed service changes to the U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission. Now is the time to share your ideas and views.

KEN SPRINGIRTH, of Harborcreek Township, is an independent consumer researcher and rail- transportation author.