There is no shortage of building contractor horror stories.

Almost everyone has heard tales of damage, scams, shoddy workmanship and a contractor who takes the money and runs in the middle of a project. In fact, except for auto repair shops and car dealerships, no other industry generates as many complaints to the Council of Better Bureaus or the NewsChannel5 Troubleshooter Team.

NewsChannel5 along with your help would like to stiffen the penalties for unscrupulous contractors. We get dozens of complaints each week from Northeast Ohio consumers who've been ripped off by builders, roofers, painters, masons, pavers and the list goes on.

Legislation cracking down on these "crooked contractors" is being drafted in the Ohio Senate. Please take a few moments and sign our on line petition. We'll be taking it to Columbus in a few weeks and present it to lawmakers when the legislation is debated.