Chicago Sun Times Editorial - Felon candidates give logic a run for its money
Chicago Sun Times Editorial - Felon candidates give logic a run for its money
Copyright by The Chicago Sun Times
January 19, 2007
'Welcome to Chicago," says the cop played by Sean Connery to FBI agent Elliot Ness in the 1987 gangster-era film "The Untouchables." "This town stinks like a whorehouse at low tide." It was a crude remark but funny, too, and it begs a smile of acknowledgement, particularly after the news the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners will allow two aldermen convicted for federal crimes -- while in office -- to run again for the City Council.
Former aldermen Ambrosio Medrano (25th) and Virgil Jones (15th) will be allowed to have their names on the ballot for the Feb. 27 citywide elections. The news gives added tarnish to the city's indelible scofflaw image. After all, what is Chicago best known for abroad? Being the home of Al Capone.
Medrano was found guilty of extortion; Jones was found guilty of taking bribes in the federal sting known as Operation Silver Shovel. "In Chicago a mistake on a form or a misplaced staple can throw you off the ballot," notes Jay Stewart, executive director of the Better Government Association. "But their crimes were directly related to their public office and now they are being allowed on the ballot."
Election commissioners determined a state law banning felons from running for municipal office was unconstitutional because it did not apply equally to those running for other levels of government. The commissioners' decision went against the recommendations of election board examiners, objections to Medrano's and Jones' candidacies, and a decision by a Downstate appellate court that upheld the state law last year.
Ex-felons, the commissioners declared, get all their other rights back, including voting privileges, and should be given a second chance. Crying, Jones told reporters: "It means to me that since I am a believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that there is still a God that does not allow injustice to prevail." See what keeping your faith can do?
Medrano and Jones will join the ranks of former Ald. Percy Giles (37th), who was convicted for taking bribes and tax evasion in 1999, and Wallace Davis Jr. (27th), who was convicted of bribery and extortion in 1987. Giles and Davis Jr. hope to run for election, too. Last week, Ald. Arenda Troutman was arrested by the feds and charged with taking bribes.
Lawmakers in Springfield need to rewrite the law guiding who can run for municipal office and make it applicable to everyone who wants to hold an elected seat -- state and municipality. And election commissioners should hang their heads in shame over their decision. Their explanation that this gives Medrano and Jones a chance at rehabilitation will only add to voters' cynicism.
Copyright by The Chicago Sun Times
January 19, 2007
'Welcome to Chicago," says the cop played by Sean Connery to FBI agent Elliot Ness in the 1987 gangster-era film "The Untouchables." "This town stinks like a whorehouse at low tide." It was a crude remark but funny, too, and it begs a smile of acknowledgement, particularly after the news the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners will allow two aldermen convicted for federal crimes -- while in office -- to run again for the City Council.
Former aldermen Ambrosio Medrano (25th) and Virgil Jones (15th) will be allowed to have their names on the ballot for the Feb. 27 citywide elections. The news gives added tarnish to the city's indelible scofflaw image. After all, what is Chicago best known for abroad? Being the home of Al Capone.
Medrano was found guilty of extortion; Jones was found guilty of taking bribes in the federal sting known as Operation Silver Shovel. "In Chicago a mistake on a form or a misplaced staple can throw you off the ballot," notes Jay Stewart, executive director of the Better Government Association. "But their crimes were directly related to their public office and now they are being allowed on the ballot."
Election commissioners determined a state law banning felons from running for municipal office was unconstitutional because it did not apply equally to those running for other levels of government. The commissioners' decision went against the recommendations of election board examiners, objections to Medrano's and Jones' candidacies, and a decision by a Downstate appellate court that upheld the state law last year.
Ex-felons, the commissioners declared, get all their other rights back, including voting privileges, and should be given a second chance. Crying, Jones told reporters: "It means to me that since I am a believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that there is still a God that does not allow injustice to prevail." See what keeping your faith can do?
Medrano and Jones will join the ranks of former Ald. Percy Giles (37th), who was convicted for taking bribes and tax evasion in 1999, and Wallace Davis Jr. (27th), who was convicted of bribery and extortion in 1987. Giles and Davis Jr. hope to run for election, too. Last week, Ald. Arenda Troutman was arrested by the feds and charged with taking bribes.
Lawmakers in Springfield need to rewrite the law guiding who can run for municipal office and make it applicable to everyone who wants to hold an elected seat -- state and municipality. And election commissioners should hang their heads in shame over their decision. Their explanation that this gives Medrano and Jones a chance at rehabilitation will only add to voters' cynicism.
posted by Carlos T Mock at 7:12 AM
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