It has been reported in OERM's September, 2011 Gazette (recieved yesterday) that the UP E unit and the passenger car sleeper work will be contracted by painting contractor Gregory Houle. A check of the California Contractor State License Board shows only one contractor license with a name that is close, being this: [www2.cslb.ca.gov] and shown as license number 392909 issued to HOULE, GREGOIRE LAURIER.

Unfortunately, the license expired in 1990!

Maybe, this is not the same person. But if it is, then the new Executive Director Jeff Levinson will need to do the right thing and explain how this illegal work activity was allowed to be let for contract and any transpiring of previous projects, which may also have been the repainting of SP 3100. The attorney and President Tom Jacobson would obviously need to answer for this deficiency as well. So much for due diligence by paid executives and Presidents!

But, if this is not the same person, no foul! I'm sure the contract for the work by Mr. Houle will be carefully written and available for the general membership to review, as provided for under California contract law for work excedding $500.00 time and material. There are no exemptions for this character of work when contracted by a non-profit group.

Of course, the key word here is "contracted" so perhaps Mr. Houle is a member donating his time and material. But if not, there are plenty of legitimate, rules and taxes paying contractors out there who are looking for work. No need to feed the hands of rule breakers.