Landers can't pass test but keeps his job (for now)

By George P. Hassett

After more than four years on the job, the man who inspects homes and buildings in the city for safety is still not certified for the job.

George Landers, the superintendent of the Inspectional Services Department, failed to score a 75 on the technology portion of a Sept. 8 exam that, after years of delays, would have finally certified him for the city job that pays him $67,199 a year.

Landers scored a 68, seven points shy of what he needed. He passed the other portion of the test, legal management.

Landers was appointed by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone on Aug. 7, 2004. State law allowed him 18 months to complete his certification. But more than four years later, he has yet to complete the basic requirements for the job.

"Please be advised that Committee members expressed great concern about your status as a building code enforcement officer. Committee members believe that you have not demonstrated sufficient effort to comply with the certification exam schedule," Board of Building Regulation and Standards Representative Robert Anderson wrote to Landers in April.

City spokeswoman Jackie Rossetti said an appeal that would allow Landers to continue as head of ISD was heard last month. If he wins the appeal, Landers would receive a six-month extension that allows him to keep his position and take the test again.

Despite failing the test, Landers still has the backing of City Hall. "George is a very successful, very experienced and very qualified ISD superintendent who is continuing to make progress toward his certification," said city spokesman Tom Champion.

Champion said Senior Building Inspector Paul Nonni has the certifications Landers is trying to get and is prepared to step in as superintendent. "The city is in no way left uncovered at ISD," he said.