Mass. governor Baker to hold listening sessions this summer

After eight years in which state government did things to us, it's awfully nice to be a participant in your government. The latest example is the Baker administration's initiative to review Massachusetts' voluminous regulations, including those that affect the construction industry. As part of the effort, the administration will be holding a series of "listening sessions" at which business people can weigh on regulations that affect them and their companies. The regulatory review follows the appointment of people to agencies important to the construction industry who actually seek input from open shop companies, and appointees to various trade boards who represent the interests of the nearly 84% of Massachusetts construction workers who choose not to join a union. It's a breath of fresh air after eight years during which we weren't consulted and appointments were made as if open shop firms didn't exist. We have lessons we must learn from our years under the Patrick administration. The first is the importance of ABC's political activities and that we must work tirelessly to ensure that those eight years are never repeated. Another lesson is the importance of taking advantage of the times when our input is requested and valued. In this case, that means attending the listening sessions and letting the Baker administration know about regulations that adversely affect your business. It also means telling your state legislators about the relationship between regulatory reform and a growing economy. Information about Sheet Metal Board and Plumbers and Gas Fitters Board listening sessions is listed below. It's nice to feel like your opinion matters. Now that it does, let's make sure state government hears us. Sheet Metal Board Listening Session: When: Monday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. Where: 1000 Washington St., 1st floor, Room 1-D, Boston, MA 02118 Plumber and Gas Fitters Board Listening Session: When: Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. Where: 1000 Washington St., 1st floor, Room 1-D, Boston, MA 02118 Brian Jurgens is chairman of the Associated Builders & Contractors - Mass. Chapter, Woburn and is a senior vice president at W.T. Kenney Co., Inc., Arlington, Mass.