Editorial: USPS cannot pick and choose

The United States Postal Service (USPS) was built on one promise: to deliver the nation’s mail, fairly and without exception. But this week in Cullman, that promise was broken.

Subscribers who didn’t receive their Tribune on time have one thing to blame — management. District Manager June Martindale reportedly told the Cullman Post Office to prioritize parcels, not mail or newspapers. When questioned, the local supervisor bluntly replied: “We get to choose what goes out.”

That is not how the Postal Service is supposed to work. Newspapers are protected under law as essential periodicals, not optional extras. Choosing to leave them behind while pushing out Amazon packages isn’t just wrong; it’s dereliction of duty.

Local carriers have made it clear: they want to deliver your mail but are being handcuffed by orders from above. The problem is not the hardworking employees on your street  — it’s the management who has decided profit trumps public service.

And if they can decide your newspaper isn’t worth delivering, what’s next? Bills? Prescriptions? Legal notices? Or has that already begun?

This is bigger than The Tribune. It’s about accountability and trust. We encourage every reader to contact Sen. Garlan Gudger and Congressman Robert Aderholt and let them know that Cullman’s mail service is being undermined.

The USPS does not get to pick and choose. Service to the people is not optional.

If you are frustrated by delayed or undelivered mail and newspapers, contact your elected officials directly. Let them know Cullman deserves reliable postal service.

Alabama Sen. Garlan Gudger

334-261-0894

garlan.gudger@alsenate.gov

U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt

202-225-4876 (Washington Office)

256-734-6043 (Cullman Office)

aderholt.house.gov/contact

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt

202-224-5744 (Washington Office)

334-777-1150 (Montgomery Office)

britt.senate.gov/contact

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville

202-224-4124 (Washington Office)

205-523-7424 (Montgomery Office)

tuberville.senate.gov/contact