Defayette lauded
TO THE EDITOR: On Jan. 1, 2012, there were a few changes made to the Clinton County Legislative seats.
One of the legislators who couldn't run for re-election was Keith Defayette. This was due to his 12-year term being completed.
I would like to thank Keith for his dedication and time that he gave during the last 12 years representing Area 5 and the county. He rarely missed a meeting, and his input for decisions made was thoroughly researched and thought out prior to voicing his opinions.
Some of his positions on issues didn't always sit well with his own political party, but that didn't matter to Keith. We all know that you can't please everyone when you hold an elected position, but Keith always tried to do what was in the best interest for his constituents and the county. This is pretty refreshing to me, and our U.S. Congress and Senate could take a few lessons from this.
I know Keith will miss not being directly involved with the County Legislature, as he always liked knowing what was going on in the community and tried to improve things.
Thanks again, Keith, for a job well done.
MARK WHEET
Plattsburgh
Postal profitibility
TO THE EDITOR: The U.S. Postal Service is making a profit. The reason it is not showing a profit is because, unique among federal employees, the U.S. Postal Service is required to pay 75 years in advance for its retirement program.
If the retirement program were paid only a few years in advance, then the most effective, profit-making agency in the government would be operating in the black financially.
Also the mail is as fast as e-mail if you calculate same-day shipping as a comparison. Plus, the Postal Service is more secure than e-mail and, on many computer systems, is more reliable. Sending your income tax on an unsecured site is actually potentially dangerous.
Fed Ex and UPS are not showing signs of going out of business because of this efficient government agency, which employs local people and encourages a sense of community affluence through excellent union scale wages.
If the power goes out, what happens to your laptop?
DAVE RYAN
Saranac Lake
