Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
News Release
October 29, 2003

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Patrick Shaughnessy
512-463-7574

EIGHT MEMBERS APPOINTED TO TDLR ELECTRICIANS BOARD
Board selected from among more than 90 qualified applicants

(Austin) - The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation Tuesday
appointed eight members to the newly created Electrical Safety and Licensing
Advisory Board (ESLAB).

House Bill 1487, enacted by the 78th Legislature and signed into law by the
Governor on June 22, 2003, provides for statewide regulation of certain
electricians through the establishment of a statewide licensing program. The
bill also created ESLAB. The board will advise the commission on matters
related to the licensing of electricians, including applicable codes.

The Commission appointed eight members to the nine-member board Tuesday. The new Board members were nominated by Commission Chairman Leo Vasquez III, who based the nominations on statutory requirements, geographic location and recommendations from key constituencies, including industry, trade and union groups. The new board members were selected from a pool of more than 90 qualified applicants. The Commission also appointed Keith Bell, a master electrician from Forney, to serve as presiding officer of the new board.

"We believe the diversity of these nominations will allow a voice to all interested parties," Vasquez said. "I thought it was important to include representation from regions across the state, the skilled trades that will be governed by the new state electrician's license law and from large, small and minority-owned businesses. I think you will agree that these appointees provide for that inclusiveness."

The board will consist of nine members. The ninth member, who will represent the public, will be appointed at a subsequent commission meeting.

The new Board members include:

• Public Members (two, with a third to be appointed at a later date)
  • Brad Boyer For a term expiring on 2/1/09
    Cypress, TX
  • Mark Goodson For a term expiring on 2/1/07
    Denton, TX
• Master Electrician Members (3)
  • Keith Bell For a term expiring on 2/1/09
    Forney, TX
  • Randy Pomikahl For a term expiring on 2/1/07
    Briarcliff, TX
  • Ray L. Audas For a term expiring on 2/1/05
    Conroe, TX
• Journeyman Electrician Members (3)
  • Tony Merritt For a term expiring on 2/1/09
    Texarkana, TX
  • Kenny Corbell For a term expiring on 2/1/07
    Longview, TX
  • A.C. McAfee For a term expiring on 2/1/05
    Mesquite, TX

Created in 1909 as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, TDLR protects the public
welfare and safety and promotes a fair and competitive business environment
by regulating 22 diverse industries and occupations, including boxing, air
conditioning contractors, and architectural barriers.

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