October 2008: President's Message

Words: Dan KamysOctober 2008

Thoughts on the 2008 Election

Tom DanielTom Daniel President, Mason Contractors Association of America

Next month, U.S. citizens will elect a new leader of our country as well as his supporting cast in Congress. We also will be working to elect local state officials and other elected bodies to represent our interests. This election cycle presents two very different views regarding how our country would be led and the impact it would have on our industry. There are many critical issues that threaten the very existence of many of our businesses, such as the estate tax, regulatory positions and energy positions. Who we select and put into positions of power will have ramifications on our entire industry. I strongly encourage everyone affiliated with the masonry industry to educate themselves on not only the national candidates' views, but also their state and local officials, and vote on Nov. 3 for the people who support your right to operate a business with as little obstruction and intrusion from the government as possible. We were fortunate enough to have one presidential campaign take the time to reply to questions presented that are of concern to our industry. I would encourage readers to check out the positions of the other candidate at his Web site and compare the issues and the positions each candidate takes. Do not forget to also educate yourself on local issues. Our industry is finding more and more that issues on the local and state levels have been evolving to have a dramatic impact on our businesses. A recent development in the state of Wisconsin regarding energy is one such example. The serious impact it will have on our industry until corrected is almost inconceivable. It is our responsibility as citizens and business owners to become educated and make informed decisions about the upcoming election. Please don't miss the opportunity to express your views through your votes on Nov. 3. Return to Table of Contents
About: President's Message
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More