Dear Action Line: The Post Office has had a rock propping open the door for weeks (maybe months) so the door is cracked open all day. Given the cold weather, it seems a bit wasteful on the heating costs. At the very least, couldn’t the USPS buy a nice looking brick to match the décor? Or perhaps a foam rubber version that will be less damaging for trip-and-fall accidents? Thanks. – Letter Writer
Dear Letter Writer,
Given the nature of this town, I wouldn’t be surprised if many people have been stoned at the post office. I’m sure the USPS has a drug policy, but sorting letters all day would call for some lightened relief. Or perhaps anger management via stone throwing.
That propped open door certainly seems like a waste of heat, even though our weather has been rather balmy recently. By the time you’re reading this, we’ll know if the gods of Snowdown have delivered the goods.
To find an answer, I corresponded with James Boxrud, a “Strategic Communications” employee for the USPS based in Denver. Mr. Boxrud is responsible for answering reporters’ questions from the entirety of Colorado, from Durango and Grand Junction to Aspen and, yep, Stoner. Did you notice his name is Boxrud? Get it? Because you send packages in ... boxes.
Boxrud told me there may have been a large boulder the size of a small boulder-esque misunderstanding.
“Apparently, the door is not broken – customers prop the door open when bringing in large packages and then do not remove the rock,” he said. “The Durango team will monitor and remove.”
I’m glad we cleared up the postal confusion.
Action Line learns new things every day when looking into these questions. Did you know the USPS has a podcast? Now you do, and if you get tired of listening to news, sports or whatever Andrew Huberman is, you can tune into our government messengers. The most recent episode, published this week, discusses “the crucial role the Postal Service plays in supporting the mailing and shipping industry.” Sounds riveting.
A reader sent in a note in response to a previous column about parking. The writer suggested that the Post Office get moved south to the mall. This would provide the opportunity for a parking lot in the space currently occupied by the post office, and move the USPS to a less busy part of town.
There would certainly be many factors and bureaucracy with such a move, but it sounds like a sound plan to me. Maybe if we send enough letters they’ll do it.
Action Line reached Boxrud via email. Ironic, isn’t it? Email questions and suggestions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, via the USPS.
