EDITORIAL

First, it was the 33-cent stamp. Then the 34-cent one.

Now, if those changes weren’t a big enough hassle, a number of Costa

Mesa businesses will be forced to truck their bulk mail a little bit

farther when the U.S. Postal Service closes part of the Adams Avenue

branch on April 15.

Doesn’t sound like a big deal? Tell that to Larry Weichman, who works

for the Real Estaters. A rate hike for the business when it has to begin

using the Santa Ana branch on Sunflower Avenue will add about $300 each

month. And that does not include the cost from the additional travel and

time.

Or tell it to any of the 100 Costa Mesa businesses that have taken out

forms to complain about the move.

A postal service spokeswoman said the change is part of a streamlining

process, which, while helpful for the government, appears to be anything

but for local shops and stores. The postal service is supposed to be in

the customer service business, but forcing clients to drive farther and,

in some cases, pay more is counter to just about every bit of business

acumen there is.

Of course, we’re talking about the federal government, which is not

exactly known for wise business practices -- remember the stories of the

$435 hammer and the $640 toilet seat.

Still, outright telling its customers/citizens to “get used to it”

seems brazen even by these standards. But that’s just what the

spokeswoman also did, suggesting that “customers are going to like it

just fine once they get used to it.”

They should not have to.

And for those who feel at ease because the change won’t affect them,

think again. As Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Ed Fawcett

points out, eventually the additional hardship could fall on nonprofit

groups, homeowners’ associations, the school district and the city.

This change has riled up enough people that the government should feel

compelled to reconsider the move. At the very least, the postmaster

should come and explain why it is necessary and ensure that there will

not be any hidden costs to businesses.