“The recent Oakland fire is a sobering reminder of what's at risk when building, fire and zoning codes are not enforced. For the past three plus years, we have been working with our local fire officials and the Department of State documenting a pervasive lack of code enforcement in these municipalities. The State has opened up investigations and issued corrective orders during this process. Unfortunately, however, the situation has not yet improved. Inappropriate temporary certificates of occupancy, illegal trailers/schools and excessive variances are still rampant. I want to thank the Secretary of State and the Code Enforcement Division for taking this extraordinary step of further intervention. These monitors will provide an investigatory presence that will be able to report directly to the Secretary for corrective action. It is clear that the public has lost confidence in one of the most basic functions of a local government which is safe zoning and building enforcement. I am hopeful this process will restore safety in these communities and give fire officials and the public a new voice.”