State Employee’s Letter Published

Daniel Resto of Local 3130, District Council 90, was published in the Patriot News on the public’s “underappreciation” of state employees. Dan's letter appears below.

As a state employee, I have become resentful of how many letter writers regularly denigrate us, our character, dedication, abilities, qualifications, motivation and our pay/benefits. Too often, we are being confused with the people who get to vote themselves raises and get per diems, leased automobiles, catered meals, etc.

The people with whom I work are just as dedicated as any employee in the private sector. We take our jobs seriously, for we know that all of the citizens of the commonwealth depend on us, rather than a "segment" of the population we might call "customers." We are dedicated to delivering the best service possible as quickly and as professionally as possible. And we do so with the knowledge that the only time anyone will notice us is if we make an error.

In the private sector, management is permitted to give bonuses or offer performance incentives. Not so with state employment. So our motivation must come from within ... and it does. We want to be helpful. We want to solve problems. We want to deliver needed services. And we accept the fact that the silence is our thanks.

We're underappreciated.

– Daniel T. Resto