As Oak Ridge mail delivery problems continue, one congressman is 'frustrated'

U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann says he's "frustrated" by the ongoing mail delivery problems in the Oak Ridge area and he wants people to contact his office so staffers can file complaints on their behalf.

Delays with Post Office mail delivery in Oak Ridge started during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Postal Service officials told The Oak Ridger last summer that the problems were a result of "staffing issues," and that after several weeks of delays, mail delivery was back on schedule.

But residents say that isn't the case. Some have vented in Facebook groups about about missing mail, slow delivery and delayed pickups.

A USPS spokesperson said the "staffing challenge" is continuing locally, as it is for many businesses.

Mike Henderson, who lives on South Alabama Road, has had it. In late February, he and his daughter, who lives nearby, didn't receive mail for a full week, he told The Oak Ridger.

He said there was a stretch in January when they went 10 days with no mail delivery. Frustratingly, a neighbor a few roads away said they were receiving regular mail delivery.

"I am one of the people who still receives bills, etc., by mail. For folks who have gone completely electronic, mail being delivered a week or two late may not matter. For people like me, it can make a big difference," the 74-year-old man said. "I didn't have all of my tax-related info I needed to file my taxes until recently."

Postal Service: We're working on it

Evelina Ramirez, a USPS corporate spokesperson, said the local office is working on improving conditions.

"The Postal Service appreciates its customers and always strives to provide the best possible service. Regarding mail service in Oak Ridge, we can report the current postmaster remains on duty and is focused on continually improving service. The local management team is currently working to ensure any delivery concerns are resolved.

"The Oak Ridge Post Office, like many businesses, is experiencing periodic staffing challenges. The Postal Service is continuing to host hiring events and anticipates holding a job fair later this month in the Oak Ridge area. Interested applicants should log on to http://usps.com/careers frequently to check for new postings.

"We appreciate the patience of our customers and the efforts of employees as conditions change on a day-to-day basis. We urge any customers with concerns or questions about their mail delivery service to contact their local Post Office, so that we can look into and resolve their concerns promptly. Customers may also visit our website at www.usps.com/help."

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann 'disappointed and frustrated'

Fleischmann, the Chattanooga Republican who represents the Oak Ridge area, said he's heard a lot of complaints.

"I am disappointed and frustrated with the USPS' ongoing mail delivery issues in Oak Ridge and the surrounding area. For months, my constituents in Oak Ridge have contacted my office, telling me about mail not being delivered, missing mail and poor customer service. The postal service needs to increase its quality of service and ensure all mail is delivered on time and to the right person," Fleischmann said through a statement sent by spokesperson Justin Doil.

Those experiencing mail delivery problems can contact Cindy S. Boshears, Fleischmann's field representative in the Oak Ridge Office, at 865-576-1976 or by email at cindy.boshears@mail.house.gov. Constituents must fill out a privacy act release form at fleischmann.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.

Neither Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank nor the Anderson County Commission's administrative assistant said their offices had been contacted about the mail delivery issue recently.

The Oak Ridger's News Editor Donna Smith covers Oak Ridge area news. Email her at dsmith@oakridger.com and follow her on Twitter@ridgernewsed.

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This article originally appeared on Oakridger: As Oak Ridge mail problems continue, a congressman is 'frustrated'