Are Virginia Government Employees as Incompetent as they are in Maryland?

[Anonymous]

I have the misfortune of having to deal with numerous government agencies in Maryland, and I am not sure what percentage of the employees are completely incompetent, but there are enough of them in high enough positions that it is very, very hard to get anything done correctly the first, second or third time (or at all). I'm talking about procedures from hiring, benefits, reimbursements, taxes, MVA, education administration, and the list goes on. There is almost no process that does not at some point eventually hit somebody who has no idea what the hell they are doing. When you try to contact people in offices to correct problems, frequently nobody is there to talk and they do not return calls or e-mails. When they do, they make it even more clear that they are morons.

Is this how every state works, or is MD uniquely bad? Virginia better or not?

[Anonymous]

Can’t speak for Virginia, but as someone who splits residence in MD and FL, FL is the polar opposite of MD when it comes to the efficiency and responsiveness of state agencies.

I was gobsmacked at how helpful FL state agency employees were when we were building our house. We needed all the various typical permits, plus some variances, an FDEQ impact assessment, etc. All were easier than anything I’d ever dealt with in MD.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know about state employees, but I have been impressed by the level of government services I’ve received through Arlington County. Very prompt email responses and quick to answer phone calls. You can also do a lot of stuff online.

[Anonymous]

As someone from VA and who has lived in a few other states, I think some of the incompetence in MD state government is weaponized to provide more state revenue.

Felt like we were being hazed by MD the first year we lived here:

1.Found one small mistake our accountant made (forgot to fill in date of move) and threatened us with tax fines. Accountant worked it out and we actually received a large refund from MD, and they have never bothered us again.

2. Claimed we didn't have any proof of auto insurance. Sent another threatening letter. Called GEICO, received proof, sent in, continued to receive threatening letters. Called and a nice MD state employee checked and said we were good: that the department who sends these letters always sends these letters.

3. I won't even write about the MVA. Most of their employees are competent, but it seems they tend to put the screw ups on the initial screening desk. It really improved during Covid actually.

I just think there is such churn with people moving in and out of the area, especially around DC, that MD has decided to make as much money off people who don't have time to navigate the bureaucracy as they can.

[Anonymous]

Side note: I have found Montgomery county staff to be very helpful.

[Anonymous]

I'm very impressed with Loudoun's permits department. We've had about 8 permits over the past two years. Typically they're available the next day to come inspect. The inspectors are all former trades and know what they're talking about and give tips. Permits weren't expensive either. For all the ways homeowners try to avoid permits, it's pretty simple.

I basically never deal with the DMV anymore because you can do it all online.

[Anonymous]

Your weekly Maryland/MoCo bash thread folks.

[Anonymous]

I've generally been impressed by state employees in Virginia. Even the DMV was easy to deal with when I had an issue with titling. I've heard nightmares about unemployment offices

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your weekly Maryland/MoCo bash thread folks.

Maybe Maryland should work harder on not having things to "bash"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your weekly Maryland/MoCo bash thread folks.

As a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Maryland, this place deserves to be bashed. As often as possible.