BISD contractor surrenders license; he hires retired BISD employee with license to work

By EMILY GUEVARA
November 11, 2009
Posted: November 11, 2009, 12:39 AM CST

Last updated: November 11, 2009, 12:57 AM CST



A Beaumont ISD electrical contractor found by the state to have falsified his application for a master electrician's license has surrendered that license.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation found that Calvin Walker, owner of Walker's Electric Co. in Beaumont, falsified a portion of his work experience and a letter of employment during his 2004 application process for the license.

Walker, who spoke with The Enterprise at his office Tuesday, maintains his innocence. But he paid a $5,000 fine on Oct. 13 and surrendered his license.

He said he plans to immediately reapply for it.

"The truth would hurt, but lies just roll off my back and that's what these are, all lies," Walker said. "To the people that do understand what's really going on, don't worry. I'll be fine."

An electrician does not have to have a master's license to own a business.

However, if the majority owner of the business does not have a master electrician's license, he or she has to hire someone who does, said Susan Stanford, public information officer for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, said that findings of fraud are rare.

Walker still has his electrical contractor license and continues to own and operate Walker's Electric Co. in Beaumont. He recently hired a retired BISD electrical foreman to serve as the master electrician at his business.

In addition to his jobs for BISD, which included the electrical work at several temporary campuses, Walker also does work for Port Arthur ISD, the city of Port Arthur and several Beaumont churches and hotels, he said.

While the state agency has no criminal jurisdiction, this case could be forwarded to the Attorney General's Office, Stanford said.


Comments
legaleagle wrote:
Corky2 Thanks for clearing up Doctor T.'s credentials. I agree with everything you said.
11/12/2009 12:30 PM CST

corky2 wrote:
A Ph.D is a doctorate which is based more in research and tends to be sought more by collegiate educators (usually, not always). The Ph.D often requires extensive study of a foreign language and is basically a Doctorate in Philosophy with an emphasis in a particular subject area. The E.Ed is very common among Principles/Teachers/Supers and IS a legitimate Doctorate. While Ph.Ds are research oriented, the E.Ed emphasizes educational practice and the application of theory and research. It is appropriate to address recipients of either degree as 'Doctor.' Regarding the doctorate of jurisprudence...I know a lawyer who practiced law for 10 years after teaching, then returned to teaching, but was not paid for the doctorate degree because it was not recognized as an applicable doctorate toward teaching. Leagleagle, are any lawyers who have this degree addressed as 'Doctor?' I respect your opinion, but be aware that MOST supers do have the E.Ed degree because it is, in fact, most applicable to their profession. Keep in mind that often, Doctorates are earned while persons are actively employed, so the school which offers the most flexible schedules (i.e. weekends, evenings) are often chosen by those seeking a doctorate. Many educators in this area have gone to Prairie View for their E.Ed because their scheduling is most flexible for people who are also working full time. Lamar now offers a degree in Educational Leadership (E.Ed) so Houston and Prairie View are no longer the schools of choice. While Texas Southern or Prairie View would not be my choice, nor are they 'top shelf' Universities, they do offer accredited degrees. That being said, Doctor Thomas has abused the trust of the citizens of Beaumont, Dr Thomas has an obligation to be a good steward of our tax dollars, and he has failed, and Dr Thomas needs a good going over by the FBI while they're in town. His degree and title are fine. It's his integrity which is questionable.
11/12/2009 09:12 AM CST

legaleagle wrote:
Thomas does not have a Ph.D. That is a fact which he admitted under oath in the South Park trial. He has something called an E.Ed which he obtained from that fine institution of higher learning known as Texas Southern University. I have a doctor of jurisprudence but I don't go around having people call me "Doctor"
11/
11/2009 09:37 PM CST

fredsaid wrote:
The flim flam man. These guys will never get it right because they have no morals, no ethics. Just playing business, making paperwork, acting like big shots. It is all about money, cutting corners, falsifying documents, cash kick backs, fictitious employees, bogus suppliers, checks to fictitious businesses cashed at liquor stores, and no one will touch them because they are a protected specie. It is a black thing!
11/
11/2009 09:30 PM CST

MEZEUS wrote:
Has anyone ever really checked on Thomas's credentials? Does he really have a P.H.D.? Or did he get in like the great black leader got his. Go to http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/m/mlk.htm (search and type in Martin Luther King Jr.
11/
11/2009 07:17 PM CST

GALATIONS 4:16 wrote:
GO JERRY JORDAN. Hey Jerry just quote GALATIANS 4:16....Have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
11/
11/2009 01:32 PM CST

skltex wrote:
If he were innocent as he claims, why did he forfeit license and pay fine. How did his new master get the 12000 required hours working for the school district? The hours have to be acquired on permitted work and under a master.
11/
11/2009 10:58 AM CST

grover609 wrote:
Jerry Jordan is a news beast! lol @ black people
11/
11/2009 10:09 AM CST

Cardinal wrote:
SETMEDIAMONITOR- Why is Jerry Jordan and A$$hole? Because he has the guts to report the truth? Because he is willing to expose these crooks for what they are. Walker, continues to lie to the bitter end. I wonder if his new 'foreman' is even a master electrician? I wonder who all is getting a piece of these outrageous contracts being awarded to Walker? I would imagine SNEEKY's comments are right on. Who does he know? More importantly, who is he paying off with our tax dollars??? He is a proven crook who had previously been convicted of insurance fraud so the powers that be at BISD award him a multi million dollar contract???!!! Nice! I'm curious, has BISD fired him yet or are they ok with a contractor that commits fraud?? I guess as long as he is one of Thomas' "bruthas" then it is all ok. VillageVoice- Man, did you hit the nail on the head!!! Thomas and the board definitely insulate BISD in a "racial cocoon". That is the best/most accurate description I've heard!!! Oh, and I am impressed that the Enterprise reported this almost a FULL week after the article came out in the examiner. They truly have their finger on the 'pulse' of the local happenings. Of course, I could care less about their incompetence since they showed how much they cared about our area when they closed down the local offices/printing/publication. Hopefully, people will sign the petition and we can replace most if not all of the board members except Tom Neild.
11/
11/2009 09:35 AM CST

corky2 wrote:
There must be a way to get a clear picture of what he was paid and for what projects. I've read 1 million for just Regina; also read that included other projects which would make the figure more sensible. I've seen a 2.4 million figure for all his work for the district. What is the truth. Truth is you don't relinquish a license and a $5000 fine unless you ARE guilty, and I don't think 'hanging out' with a buddy in Nevada counts toward your master electricians certification. Is it possible that Walker (Sparky) was not Union because they (unions) have this little quirk that their members be legitimate, certified professionals? Is the electrician/defendant simply willing to give up $5000 and a piece of paper in exchange for the 1 to 2.4 million he received in the mean time...who wouldn't? How will the school district satisfy parent and staff concerns about the safety and quality of the work performed. I know they budgeted for inflation; I wonder if the bond budget set aside monies for 'sleazy underhanded deals gone wrong'...? Hey, I have driven a car for 30 years...does that count toward my auto repair technician's certification. That was easy! I agree, sneeky, if you follow his friends and family, you'll eventually get the connection. Tell us, who are his friends downtown? Don't tease. While fredsaid sometimes has some accurate characterizations with which I agree, why must everything be so racial and bigoted. Those racial slurs tend to degrade the good points you make and actually give credence to the electrician's claim that folks are simply out to get him. Don't add legitimacy to his claim. Fred, this is not just political correctness, it's living in the 21st century. Finally what took so long for the Enterprise to cover this story? I thought they had finally turned the corner of favoritism toward our floundering school district. This should be front page, above the fold!
11/
11/2009 09:30 AM CST

SETMEDIAMONITOR wrote:
So, why did you delete my post? Is it because I called Jerry Jordan an assh0le or because you didn't like it when I said that your reporters suck and the only way they can get a story is to wait for your competition to break it. You ought to be embarrassed that you keep having to do follow-up stories to The Examiner. Like I said, Jerry Jordan may be an assh0le but he is an assh0le, who is making you guys look stupid. Too bad we don't have more assh0les like him investigating what is going on with our tax dollars.
11/
11/2009 08:45 AM CST

VillageVoice wrote:
Is someone gonna check his work to be sure our children are safe in the schools? Lots of worried parents out here. While Thomas covers his behind and insulates BISD in a racial cocoon, who's looking out for the kids?
11/
11/2009 08:39 AM CST

buddy wrote:
Crooked as the BISD board and Carroll Thomas. I hope the FBI investigation causes some changes to be made - like a jailed and humiliated Carroll Thomas.
11/
11/2009 08:19 AM CST

Nightcrawler wrote:
He is a crook plain and simple.
11/
11/2009 07:16 AM CST

fredsaid wrote:
The never ending story of African Engineering!!! What be next boss?
11/
11/2009 07:13 AM CST

Sneeky wrote:
Follow who his friends are - that'll probably tell you more of how he got where he got as quick as he got and through whom... This man has always bragged (at least to those of us in the neighborhood) who his buddies down town are. And, in the past, it's not what you know but WHO you know...
11/
11/2009 06:39 AM CST