Letters to the editor
In a compelling call to action, Jim Vaughan, Business Manager of Plumbers Local 12, highlights the urgent issue of unlicensed plumbing work, particularly in the context of water filtration systems. With an alarming rise in individuals performing plumbing installations without the necessary training or certification, Vaughan stresses that unlicensed work poses significant risks to public health and safety. He emphasizes that plumbing is not just a trade; it is a crucial profession that safeguards the health of communities. The improper installation of water filtration systems can lead to severe consequences, including contamination and violations of local plumbing codes, which is why licensing is not merely bureaucratic red tape but a vital public safety requirement. Vaughan urges homeowners to be vigilant and report any unlicensed plumbing activities to protect their families and ensure compliance with safety standards.
In a separate yet equally pressing matter, Sal Giarratani reflects on the ongoing crisis at Mass and Cass, a neighborhood in Boston that has struggled with social issues for decades. He commends community advocate Brian McCarter for his proactive stance in demanding accountability and action from city officials. Giarratani’s perspective as a retired police officer lends weight to his observations, as he recalls the deterioration of the area over the years. He argues that the “Broken Windows” strategy—addressing small crimes to prevent larger ones—could have mitigated the current crisis had it been implemented earlier. Giarratani calls for more community leaders like McCarter to step forward, emphasizing that genuine engagement with residents is essential for meaningful change. He urges city officials to listen to the community’s concerns, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the complex issues plaguing Mass and Cass. Together, these narratives underscore the importance of professional integrity in plumbing and the necessity of community involvement in addressing social challenges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahPH6oc12I
$Unlicensed plumbers
As Business Manager of Plumbers Local 12, the largest union representing plumbers in Massachusetts, I’ve seen the consequences of unlicensed plumbing work too many times. Cutting corners with water quality and safety can be disastrous.
There is an increasing number of unlicensed individuals performing plumbing and water filtration installations without the proper training, certification, or legal authority. Don’t be fooled. Plumbing is about protecting the health of the nation. Nowhere is this more critical than in the growing area of water filtration systems.
Water filtration directly impacts drinking water quality. Installing these systems incorrectly may result in contamination, cross-connections, and violations of local plumbing codes. This is why in many jurisdictions, most importantly ours, you must be a licensed plumber to install or service water filtration systems. This isn’t red tape – it’s an essential public safety requirement.
All too often, we see companies and individuals marketing that they install filtration, but they have no license and no accountability. This poses a severe risk to homeowners. Letting this continue unchallenged erodes the standards of our profession and puts the public’s health and safety at risk.
It is time we make it clear that only licensed plumbers should be installing water filtration systems. We cannot take risks with water safety, so please, report unlicensed work. Public safety depends upon it.
Jim Vaughan
Business Manager, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 12
Mass and Cass
As someone who grew up in the South End/lower Roxbury neighborhood back in the ’50s and ’60s, I have been keenly aware of the ongoing social tragedy at Mass and Cass for too many years.
Kudos to South Ender Brian McCarter for standing up for his neighborhood under siege (“A fight to shine light on crisis,” Nov. 12). He doesn’t let inaction get a free ride. McCarter is stepping up into the gap and demanding that he and others in the community be properly provided information, and for City Hall to listen to neighbors who bear the brunt of the Mass and Cass crisis.
Is anyone surprised by the spillover outside that intersection? Of course this has metastasized into nearby areas. It is time for city officials to involve the community in fixing this problem rather than just talking with them or to them.
As someone who grew up on East Springfield Street, I remember what this neighborhood was like. Much of what is happening today had already started back in the ’60s.
When it comes to crime as a retired police officer, I attest to the value of the so-called “Broken Windows” strategy. We are witnessing today the constant growth of a bad situation because it should have been recognized and addressed years ago before it turned into what we have today.
More Brian McCarters are needed.
Sal Giarratani
East Boston
