Posted by Steve Miller on March 4, 2008, 8:43 am, in reply to "Re: Illinois Tree Licensing Act Discussion"
72.135.217.208
Tom I can "hear" from the tone of your e-mail that I have struck a nerve and for that I apologize.
I too grow rather tiresome of negative attitudes (without a solution to the problem) that abound not only in the workplace but in society as a whole.
In defense of my cynicism, as a resident of this state I've seen laws passed that seemingly do not make much of a difference as it relates to the intended purpose.
Examples include:
Driving while intoxicated, CDL licensing program or gun control.
These laws have severe penalties and yet incidents seem to increase. Those who are doing what is right do not need a law to tell them to do right. On the other hand those who would do that which is wrong or illegal will do that irrespective of the law or licensing intended to curb the activity. Laws do not stop those who have no respect for laws.
Is everyone acting as a plumber licensed? Did you know plumbers needed a state license? Again enforcement of every handyman working on a kitchen sink or toilet is difficult. Did you know an electrician did not need a license in the state of Illinois?
Those who would abide by this new law are probably not the ones we need to be concerned with.
So what is the answer? I'm not sure.
A state license might lend itself to a greater appearance of professionalism; whether or not it increases professionalism could be debated passionately on either side of the argument.
I.S.A. certification in one of its many forms lends creditability, I believe, because it is outside a governmental agency and the average citizen may view it as a tougher standard.
That being said an unscientific survey taken in my workplace today has revealed that the I.S.A. Certification would be preferable because the perception of a higher standard with the I.S.A. certification than that of a state license.
If this unscientific study held true in the general public then what might be more effective would be a public relations campaign educating the public on the importance of hiring an expert.
Green is a term thrown around quite a bit these days... "What is greener than a tree" might be an effective slogan or "we were green before green was clean" "we are your original green people"
The I.S.A. sets the industry standard for what is professional. Certification through the I.S.A. sets apart the professional from the unprofessional
Each municipality can control what the requirements are for working within their jurisdiction and each informed homeowner can set the standard for working on their property.
This is the long answer to say I do not believe a license is necessary or that a license would necessarily achieve the desired results.
Comment 1 in your e-mail. I do agree that a license may upgrade the profession. Is it enforceable? I don't know.
Comment 2 A worker being paid on a W-2 if I understand correctly must have the employer carry workers compensation on his behalf.
If I as a municipality or homeowner have any question as to whether or not a company is paying workers compensation I need only ask for proof of insurance and not hire them if they cannot provide proof of insurance.
Comment 3 I do not believe a law requiring licensing would not be beneficial at this time, so I will not comment on any changes to the proposed law.
In answer to the direct question in your e-mail.
No I do not want some unlicensed unprofessional bringing infested wood my way.
Nor do I want some licensed unprofessional bringing infested wood my way.
How many state licensed drivers are on the road that none of us would feel safe riding with?
There are more than a few licensed CDL drivers alleged to have caused significant injury and even death.
Thank you for requesting comment on this issue.
Steve Miller
Forestry Foreman
Public Works & Engineering
Village of Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook, IL. 60440
630.226.8835
smiller@bolingbrook.com
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