Here?s a brief, revealing Nov. 17 press release from the governor?s office that reveals much about the operation and purpose of occupational licensing laws:

RALEIGH ? Gov. Mike Easley has appointed Baldwin Ray Mitchell Jr. of Wilson to the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.

Mitchell is the owner and operator of Mitchell?s Hair Styling Inc. He is a licensed cosmetologist and cosmetogolist instructor . . . Board duties are to ensure salons are clean and sanitary and services offered are not damaging to the consumer.

Yes, of course, it?s all about the consumer. That?s why these boards are primarily filled from the ranks of existing producers, particularly those operating chains.