Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2018

all that is necessary. That pretty much allows a one stop shop for those needing help and licensing in the construction world. Electricians HVACR, and Plumbers to the Contractors Licensing Board is a great beginning place and may be all that is necessary. OK! There is a possible snafu. These three existing boards must continue to exist as the immediate supervisory authority for the programs as well as judiciary for malefactor hearings. This is the template that exists for the three boards in their present location. These boards, comprised of industry and consumers, know their rules and regulations much better than an over-arching construction agency board. Besides, an over-arching construction agency board would not have time to sit at all the hearings. So, why maintain the existing template and leave their present home? Well, a non-construction large patriarchal agency doesn’t have the knowledge or interest in the needs of the minion. They basically have bigger fish to fry. I could go into past grievances but that has no purpose. Let’s just say that, based on experience, the HVACR program needs a construction based agency to serve as our benevolent guardian. It is my belief that the Contractors Licensing Board will not view our program as a revenue stream and …just adding

will understand our need for specific legislation. Another possible snafu. Some will be against maintaining boards for each trade because they want to cut cost. Sounds like it makes sense but not really. The only cost in maintaining the existing boards but operating them under an overall construction umbrella is the cost of paying Board/Commission members for their service. They usually meet about once a month when business needs to be transacted and or hearings need to be held. Board/Commission members receive per diem of $60 plus travel. If someone thinks this is just too much, let’s eliminate the per diem. Doesn’t seem fair to ask a person to travel across the state without at least paying their travel expense; however, if a Board/Commission member feels they can’t serve without the per diem, they should probably stay home and tend to their business. The exception to this would be consumer members. Don’t know how you could be fair to them and not allow an industry professional to receive the per diem as well. Truth is, the issue of saving money by not paying the per diem to industry professionals is an example of gagging at a gnat. Our industry professionals could follow the example of the Water Well Construction Commission who vote not to take the per diem every year. That is an example of public service which all industry professional Board & Commission members