In response to the Dec. 16 letter to the editor about mailboxes, let me explain the postal service's position.

The number of street collection mailboxes, their locations and the frequency of collection service depends primarily on the mailing patterns and the volume of mail generated by the individual community. As these and other local conditions change, collection service is modified and adapted accordingly. Mail density tests were performed on Farmingdale mailboxes and those with low mail volume were removed.

It is suggested that if customers have outgoing mail, they can either hand it to their letter carrier or leave it in the mailbox and the carrier will pick it up when delivering the mail.

The letter also made reference to the price of stamps "constantly increasing" and "the level of service declining." This is not true.

The postal service has not increased its prices since 2002, more than three straight years of rate stability. The 5.4 percent across-the-board rate increase for January 2006 was not caused by a postal service need for additional money for operational expenses, salaries or benefits. The funds are needed to meet the obligation of an escrow account established by Congress in 2003.

In addition, our on-time delivery scores and customer satisfaction index are at all-time highs, as measured independently by IBM Consulting Services and the Gallup organization, respectively.

The postal service has become more agile, providing easy access to services and products. We created the Internet-based Click-N-Ship to allow easy access online. We have installed automated postal centers in heavy traffic areas to allow customers 24-hours, seven-days-a-week self-service.

The postal service is dedicated to constantly monitoring its operations and services to provide all our customers with efficient and cost effective services.

Paul F. Bauccio

Postmaster

Farmingdale