Letter to the editor

This is in response to an FCW.com poll question April 1-12 that asked: Outside of work, have you ever conducted an online transaction with a federal, state or local agency?

I was able to successfully renew a vehicle registration with the state of Florida. The only sticking point for me was that there was a $3 surcharge for using the Web renewal.

I realize the software and engineering of the site had a cost (the transaction appears to be handled by a private vendor, Compaq Computer Corp.), but it seems the state's costs should be included in the basic fee.

Because the Web renewal appears to be the more efficient and paper-free transaction -- along with being the more desirable choice to encourage in order to save state employees' time and costs -- it seems counterproductive and counterintuitive to charge an additional fee.

I recognize that the new system has costs, but they should be subsidized through adding fees to those who generate the higher-cost transaction -- mailing renewal forms and checks.

Richard Williams Gainesville, Fla., Fire Rescue