I'm glad that N.J. , N.C. , and FL. require their inspectors to meet some level of competence. Now for the other 47 states...
IMHO knowing a politician has more to do with being the inspector than knowing the Code.
I have been certified since 1981 and recently got the IAEI/NFPA certificate for master electrical inspector. Many inspectors are not certified, even those that require electricians to be licensed.
I was appointed by the Mayor, and repointed by the two following Mayors.
Politics got me in the door, competence kept me there.
Alan--
