In Praise of DMV And the People Who Work There
The next time someone makes an ad hominem attack on state workers, please commend to them the people who work at DMV. In my case, the facility just south of Wilmington off of Rt. 13 across from Casablanca.
I had to take my car through inspection today, and I’d lost my registration card.
So, before going through the lanes, I stopped inside to get a new card. They have a help desk right inside to route people to the proper services, two people answering questions. I told them my problem, and I was told that there was no need to get a card just for inspection, just let the inspectors know.
I went through inspection. When I got to the inspector who handles checking the lights and emissions, I recognized him. He’s been there forever. Many years at the Bancroft facility, and now here. Working a tough job in all kinds of weather, breathing in all those fumes. Always very professional and always has a kind word. When I last went through two years ago, I got a chance to talk to him, and he’s had all kinds of health issues. Yet here he is, doing a great job. When I think of why state employees deserve good pay, I think of him. I dare any of those reptilian Rethugs from Chateau Country to do his job for even one day.
Then, I was able to handle the entire transaction of getting the new registration and tag w/o leaving my car. Using the Jetsons technology. Don’t think it took more than three minutes.
I almost look forward to going to DMV now. A wonderfully crafted customer-centric system and great workers. When you consider the range of issues and the range of clients they deal with, you just have to take your hat off to them.
Happy holidays to all the folks at DMV.
Tags: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle, El Somnambulo, Steve Tanzer Delaware
I’ll echo that. One of my first legal experiences in the first state was registering my car. I was amazed at the process. My second experience was renewing my registration and never left my car. Highly efficient. Almost a pleasurable experience.
And considering most state workers make under 30K which is near poverty. Most state salaries haven’t increased in years
I’ll third that.
On moving here in 2012 we were amazed to one stop shop both our cars, inspection, plates, new drivers licenses, registration all in about 1 1/2 hrs. In Texas, it would have taken days and lots of standing in line. Truly a great system here and very nice people at each station.
The DMV and the workers there are absolutely great!
And my worst time at a DMV was in Arizona, where it took a whole day for my license and another day to transfer my registration. But on the plus side, the license is good for 20 years :).
I’m guessing, Mark, that you never had to do any business at the old Bancroft DMV. What a total nightmare. It has been a total transformation at the new place. I can usually get in and out of an inspection in less than 20 minutes.
Also, as the spouse of a state worker, I can confirm that they work for slave wages. The non-union employees took a 5% hit several years ago to help the state balance its budget, and I don’t know that they’ve even gotten that back yet. But the health care plan is very affordable.
Great observation, they’ve done a lot to streamline the process. Would like to see DNREC and the Fire Marshall do the same.
A welcomed note of appreciation for state workers many of whom are do a great job every single day.
If only the legislature would do the same.