Safety bill on verge of OK

ALBANY - A bill that would require electricians in Dutchess County to be certified by the county has been approved by the Legislature and is awaiting the signature by Gov. David Paterson.
     The bill is needed to ensure only high-quality electrical work is done to prevent fires and electrocution, said the bill's Assembly sponsor Joel Miller, R-Poughkeepsie.
     "It's totally a safety issue," he said. "I really wanted to ensure that only people fully trained and licensed would be wiring facilities."
     The bill passed both houses of the Legislature without dissent.
     If the bill is signed into law, Dutchess County representatives could vote to appoint a board to certify all electricians that want to practice in the county, he said.
Group backs request
     The county Legislature had forwarded the home-rule request to the state in May. The request had the backing of the Dutchess County Electrical Contractors Association.
      "The consumers of Dutchess County have absolutely zero recourse except to call the attorney general and sue the contractor - if you find them - and spend even more money in doing that," association president Richard Parente said during a county Legislature meeting last month.
     The cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie already requiring electricians be certified, Miller said. By adopting a county-wide certification system, electricians could work in more locations, he said.
     Miller said he is confident Paterson will sign the bill into law.