EDITORIAL
There are times when we experience
something called a “gut check.” That time is upon us. As your
elected SCECA representatives, we have addressed folks in the
political arena, expressing your concerns. Yes, we would like to
be able to bid on larger jobs, avoid various permit processes,
estimate on a “level playing field,” etc. The folks who make
these decisions need to hear from us, our family and our
friends. They must be given the message loudly and clearly. We
want to maintain and grow our businesses here in Suffolk. We
want these officials to be part of the solution, and not create
obstacles in the form of “back-door fees,” and regulations that
do nothing to protect end-users, but simply fill the coffers of
various levels of government, or favor those who have
financially supported those in office.
In case you haven’t guessed, this is my annual call to arms. Use
those arms to hold a telephone, a pen, a computer mouse and the
lever of a voting booth. It is incumbent upon all of us to
support and elect candidates who will allow us to be gainfully
employed and prosper. Pretty faces who attend ribbon-cutting
ceremonies and other photo opportunities don’t cut it for us. We
need to see actions, not words; if we are lethargic, yielding to
the status quo, then shame on us. This is the beginning of the
end.
By the way, remember the words “level playing field.” I am not
advocating a candidate’s one-sidedness, even if the leaning is
toward our needs. We must hold up our commitment to quality
work, safely performed. If we do, our actions will speak louder
than the hollow words of those who offer empty promises, simply
to get and stay elected.
Finally, a step in the right direction would be to avail oneself
of the education available at our General Meetings and Seminars.
This issue of The Light contains details of our 2008 Code
Seminar, scheduled for November 10, 2007.
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