Good Luck Paul
by Melanie Bloechl, former Oshkosh Mayor
March 14, 2003
Dear Commentary:
I want to be the first to say CONGRATULATIONS to Paul for standing up and out as a council member with some real heart (and guts). His life will be made a living HELL for the stance he has just taken, both by other council members and of course PO'ed developers. I understand that the average guy on the street that deals with the inspection department can and many times is frustrated with the inspector. They feel overwhelmed and have no working knowledge of the local ordinances nor STATE codes for their little home improvement projects. So yes, they can get upset. However the developers in this city that build our banks, hospital, and housing stock SHOULD know and have extensive WORKING knowledge of all codes!!!
The problem in Oshkosh, anyone with a hammer can call themselves a builder, no proof of competency is needed!!! Unlike plumbers, electricians etc. that must go to school and pass state test to prove that they actually know what is going. I mean why we would want ALL builders to show a high level of competency with regard to the biggest investment many of us will ever make...our homes, oh and why would you expect that that home would be safe from defect or violations for your families safety sake!!???
Is this to say that all builders are bad builders? NO! but the good builders need to step forward, because they too know who are the ones that constantly break the codes. Shame on those on the council and city hall that would not want yet again, an open discussion about these serious issues that concern all of Oshkosh's citizens. Those that buy and/or own a home or those that walk into a NIGHTCLUB and pray that our inspectors and city leaders haven't turned a blind eye and or ear to code violations that may cause loss of your life or that of your loved ones!!!! The State of Wisconsin has stated on multiple occasions that they would be willing to come to Oshkosh to audit the Inspection department , I know this because, I too, when on the City Council asked the State the same questions that Mr. Esslinger has. Fun how history has a way of repeating itself if no one pays attention??!!!
Good luck Paul, you will continue to need it from now on.