Background checks should be standard

All elected officials and those serving in appointed positions on our behalf should be required to have background checks conducted and the results made public prior to their candidacy and appointment.

Let me back up a bit, I never want to hear my president say again, "I screwed up" by not knowing an appointment to a national level position has tax problems or other legal issues. No one has a perfect record, but not knowing, ignoring, or covering up these issues is unacceptable.

When employers are faced with these issues every time they look to hire a new employee, resources like Aurico Reports in Arlington Heights can conduct background checks, drug testing, and credit checks to protect the business, other employees, and yes its customers. History doesn't lie, it just repeats itself.

Illinois and this country are not only facing a financial recession but also a moral and ethical recession. It's time for our political leaders to lead our way out of the corruption and moral failures that are plaguing our economy. We all need accountability as we conduct our private and public affairs. Taking the narrow high road is always the best but the least-traveled.

Let's utilize the resources we have to create transparency and accountability in our local, county, state and national government. I hope our leaders hear this and realize it is the right first step and the right time to do it.

Jon S. Ridler

Executive Director

Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce