One of the striking things that presented itself upon our return from Florida, after living there for 22 years, was the difficulty of getting my Florida handicap license plates changed over to the Minnesota system, now that we had become residents again. Now I know they will come up with all kinds of reasons why they are so congested, from computer glitches to the guy in the next office.

It took us nearly four months to get my handicap Minnesota plates for our car. I couldn’t believe the red tape involved in getting them. I also know they mail out most everything — driver’s licenses, tabs, plates, etc. This is after we get over the shock of seeing our prices double or more for this new Minnesota driver’s license service. We are in the same predicament today trying to get our long overdue tabs for this very same vehicle due last Dec. 18.

I know we are in the 21st century now, and most agencies are constantly aware of the need for change, and most are making meaningful operation changes to keep functioning in conformance with this marvelous world we live in, in order, of course, to keep up with the times.

We have had the good fortune to live in sunny Florida for many years and have discovered there a  hidden gem. Their driver’s license operation is truly state of the art compared to what we found here upon our return. You simply walk up to their desk and state your needs. Driver’s license? No problem. A picture is taken at the desk, a button is pushed and, viola, a ready-to-go driver’s license, and you are out the door. This service is the same for license tabs, license plates, etc. Tabs or plates or driver’s licenses are instantly given to you, and you are out the door, a happy camper.

Now, if Florida can be light years ahead of us performing this service, everything at the desk fully automated, why are we backward Minnesotans not getting on a plane and going down there to see what it would take to adopt this badly needed program and/or find out where we can get it? We would not be getting more bang for the buck and soon have happy campers running all over the place.

If, and once, we get a similar program going here, suddenly everybody is now happy, more productive and most importantly we are now offering, state of the art, outstanding immediate service for our tax-burdened citizens. Come on folks, let’s get the ball rolling. We Minnesotans deserve better.

Thomas McGuire

Plymouth