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Locked Out: How Centre County's New Ordinance Betrays Non-Union Contractors
Dated: May 24 2023
Views: 224
In a shocking turn of events, the Centre County Commissioners have passed an ordinance that is nothing short of a scandalous betrayal of the local non-union contractors and businesses. This ordinance, which was passed despite an overwhelming 8:1 ratio of speakers opposing it at yesterday's meeting, has effectively locked out a majority of local contractors from competing for county work over $250k.
This ordinance, which was ostensibly designed to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects, has instead created a deeply unfair playing field. It has favored union contractors, who typically have formal apprenticeship programs, at the expense of non-union contractors, many of whom have proven track records and highly trained employees. This is a slap in the face to the hardworking local contractors who have been the backbone of our community's growth and development.
Local REALTORS and concerned citizens raised their voices in a chorus of opposition to this ordinance, recognizing the devastating blow it could deal to our local economy. The ordinance's requirement that at least 70% of the craft labor workforce employed on a public works project be either a journeyperson or a registered apprentice is a blatant disregard for the realities of our local construction industry. Many local contractors simply do not have the resources to provide apprenticeship training to employees, and this ordinance has effectively shut them out.
As the $30 million Centre Crest project looms on the horizon, it seems almost certain that local contractors and subcontractors will be sidelined from the process.
This is not just an ordinance; it's a scandal, a travesty that has left our local non-union contractors out in the cold. It's a decision that has prioritized political interests over the welfare of our community, and it's a decision that we, as a community, must continue to challenge and fight against.
This conversation transcends the typical Red versus Blue debate. For clarity, I am a steadfast Democrat, leaning significantly to the left. However, being a Democrat does not grant the freedom to make unwise decisions at the local level. It doesn't provide a permit to betray trust. And certainly, it doesn't serve as a justification for imprudent actions.
Centre County plans to publicize this ordinance for a period of 30 days before reaching a final verdict in June. This provides us with an opportunity to rally public backing before the ordinance is officially adopted.
Frances Thorsen
Frances Thorsen is a leading real estate author and thought leader. She got her real estate license and became a REALTOR® in 1985. She was an early adopter of real estate technology on the Interne....
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