Who knew that locking mailboxes would such a contentious issue? C'mon, who would NOT want more security to protect their identities/mail? Apparently, there are some people out there, in particular two women in our neighbourhood who cannot imagine why anyone still receives cheques/statements/bills via snail mail (this must be said in an incredulous voice, full of contempt and scorn). There were about 70 people at the meeting last night (our neighbourhood has 200 homes) and all but those two women were there to support the decision to get locking mail boxes. BTW, the mailboxes will be installed and maintained FOR FREE by the USPS. That is an estimated cost savings to our neighbourhood of over $30,000 (to buy private boxes).

The naysayers complaints:
- another key to look after
- consolidation of current mail stations means some will have to walk another 3 houses further to get mail
- "I only receive junk mail so why do I need locking boxes?"

I think the real reason was that one had to replace her broken mailbox herself last year when our HOA was inactive (a new board was voted in this past October) so she perhaps she is trying to get her money's worth of the next box?

So many people were arguing back and forth with them and it got heated. I was waiting for some name-calling or fists to fly! But the president stepped in and it did not come to blows. Busybody was one ready to attack those two women! lol

One of our city's police officers spoke about how rampant mail theft/identity theft was in our area and how quickly the thieves can get in/out and charge stuff to credit cards (within minutes). The last arrest for mail theft in our neighbourhood was on January 4th. It is a real concern and we need locking mailboxes.

So, everyone voted but there were not enough people there so the board will go door-to-door until they have 134 votes. I cannot see this issue failing so we should have new mailboxes in place by the end of April.