Letter to the editor: builders

Editor:

Re:“Builders, contractors: Numbers tell the tale” (Capitol Weekly, Jan. 17),  it is unfortunate that Mr. Hunter of the Building and Construction Trades Council chooses to devalue the impact of the hard-working men and women comprising California’s construction industry, solely to boost his short-sided, self-preservationist agenda.

If he had any true interest in accurate reporting, he would have shared that the Golden State is sorely in need of skilled construction professionals and is struggling to meet the demand due to a shortage of trained talent, and that over the next three years there is an anticipated need for nearly 20,000 electricians and more than 7,500 painters across California. ABC proudly serves an elite group of companies and their employees of all stripes – union and non-union committed to training, safety, and construction excellence. These contractors work collaboratively to attract individuals to the amazing opportunities in the industry and get  people trained and ready to build – and rebuild – our state.

Mr. Hunter unfortunately attempts to marginalize ABC’s impact in apprenticeship and policymaking with misstatements and is remiss in remembering that in 2010, ABC staff received the highest of honors and became the first woman inducted into the Department of Industrial Relations’ Hall of Fame, a crowning achievement for a deeply-respected individual.

As an industry, we all must work collaboratively, and any policy that blatantly favors political special interests over nationally-accredited construction training curricula that prepares Californians for well-paying jobs only sets our industry and communities back and thwarts our collective ability to serve those in need.

Michele Daugherty
President and CEO
Associated Builders and Contractors, Northern California