Finally : The Poughkeepsie Journal Printed Exactly as the Story Is, not a watered down version or missing information.

The Dutchess County Legislature voted 15-9 tonight to approve a resolution establishing a policy to use Project Labor Agreements for construction projects that cost more than $3.5 million.

Legislator David Kelly, R-Pawling, was absent at the time of the vote.

The resolution requires the Department of Public Works, the Legislature’s Government Services and Administration Committee and the appropriate department head to report to the Legislature on whether a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is feasible for a project that costs more than $3.5 million. The resolution also authorizes County Executive William Steinhaus to draft a Project Labor Agreement and requires the county to consider using the PLA to reduce construction costs.

The resolution’s main sponsor Legislator Peter Wassell, D-Dover, said PLAs were designed by the U.S. Congress to provide the best work for public projects for the best price.

Some contractors who hire non-union and union workers believe the resolution would have a negative impact on them. Some also believe the resolution discriminates against non-union workers.

“I’m astounded we would consider discrimination because they don’t belong to an organization,” said Jonathan Meyer, director of sales and marketing for Meyer Contracting Corp., Pleasant Valley. “I would urge you to vote ‘no’ against this.”

Wassell said, “It’s a misnomer that only unions would be used on projects.”

Legislator James Miccio, R-Village of Fishkill, voted against the resolution. “I don’t think it’s our job to make laws to just make laws,” Miccio said. “I think it should be done at a local level.”

Town Supervisor Joan Pagones told legislators the Town of Fishkill has had a successful experience with Project Labor Agreements.

The resolution goes to Steinhaus for consideration.

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Comments

On Sep-15-2009 04:26 PM Mr. James R. Doxsey:
Now if the Executive gives the Taxpayers the relief by implementing this, we’ll all sleep better.

On Sep-15-2009 04:29 PM Mr. James R. Doxsey:
With transparency and insight into PLA’s, the Taxpayers will see TRUE due-diligence reports and Cost Savings Before the County moves foward on its Capitol Projects.