Letter to the editor

I know some agencies in the Interior Department have six to seven computer specialists for every 200 to 300 employees, but we don't. I don't see the reason for rushing into reclassification when it doesn't fit ("Mixed bag on IT reclassification," FCW May 27).

We have such a low ratio of computer specialists to employees in my agency, the few 334s we have do all of the specialties listed. We have an information technology staff of two computer specialists, no computer assistants, and more than 300 computers and employees. There is no way we can specialize into just one or two categories.

Interior should demand a better ratio from all of its agencies. And not at the national or regional level, but at the lowest level — network, application and employee support. Then reclassification will be worth looking into. Until then, they need to have a GS-2210 that does all specialties listed.

As for me, I would prefer more IT staff to keep up with the demand, than a reclassification. And don't even start with the idea of contracting out computer support. Two words: Response time.

Name withheld by request