Even if he's right? It's not uncommon for a mechanic/electrician/etc. to take advantage of a person't lack of knowledge...especially women since things like auto repairs/home repairs are usually outside their scope of knowledge...
"Sorry lady. You have a blown breaker in your fuse panel. I'll have to change the circuit breaker, pull in some new wiring for that half of your house, and unless you get very lucky, (I won't know until I
break look at it) I'll probably have to install a new bifurcating swivel widget. I can estimate...but it's only an estimate until I get into things...this will run you about $3000 to $4500."
Of course, just resetting the breaker would do the trick for free...
Nanette, changing the light fixture is pretty simple work...and doesn't require an electrician. Youtube will have lots of DIY videos.