Two strikes and your out as Aurora cabbie?
Aurora aldermen want to ensure that the next time you've had one too many and call a taxi, it's a safer alternative than getting into your own car.
They just can't seem to agree on how safe is safe enough.
Currently, to get a business license for a cab company in Aurora, the application must include any previous felony or traffic violations tied to each driver employed by the company.
On any given day, according to city deputy chief of staff Carrie Anne Ergo, between 60 and 70 licensed taxis operate in Aurora.
With the proposed amendment to the license application process on the table, aldermen also want to limit how many DUI convictions each driver may have on their record.
Seventh Ward Alderman Sheketa Hart-Burns said she discovered "a safety loophole" while researching the city's recently approved taxi rate increases.
"We didn't have anything that specifically said you cannot drive a taxi in Aurora if you have some DUIs," Hart-Burns said. "We need to be proactive and cover ourselves on this one."
The amendment currently being debated by the city's government operations committee members says neither license applicants nor drivers may have been convicted "two or more times for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
Alderman-at-Large Richard Irvin, a former Kane County prosecutor who now runs his own firm, said two convictions could actually mean someone has three DUI arrests. He would like the allowed number of convictions reduced to one within the past 10 years.
"Most first-time offenders get supervision on their first DUI, so in that case you can have two convictions because the first won't count or be on a record," he said. "I believe people can change if given a chance. So if you haven't had one in 10 years, it's unlikely you are going to re-offend because you've learned your lesson."
Fourth Ward Alderman Rick Lawrence has said in recent meetings that one conviction should be enough to lose your business license to operate a taxi.
Third Ward Alderman Stephanie Kifowit agrees with Irvin that everyone should "get one mistake or one chance" but would like to see the time window shortened from Irvin's recommendation of 10 years to five, which is similar to state law for livery licenses and a Joliet ordinance.
"I agree we need to reduce the number of convictions to one for the drivers," she said, "but I think a five-year look back is more reasonable than 10."
Hart-Burns, chairman of the government operations committee, said aldermen are likely to reach a consensus on a new amendment at the panel's July 22 meeting.
Managers or owners of several taxi companies listed in Aurora were unavailable or declined to comment. Some, however, said the debate is not necessary.
"I get the driving history of every driver I hire because I can't afford to insure someone with a DUI on their record," said Frank Nelson, owner of Fox Valley Taxi. "If I had a driver like that, it would make me look bad and my costs would go up. I can't afford either."