If you see wrong, blow the whistle

What would you do if you thought your boss was breaking the law?

Would you look the other way ... or would you blow the whistle?

What if you were only 22 and needed that job to pay for college? Or 46 and needed it to keep a roof over your head?

Even if you are financially secure without that paycheck, it's likely the recent news out of McHenry County would give you pause.

Former McHenry County State's Attorney staffer Amy Dalby, a 24-year-old college student, has been indicted on felony charges, accused of stealing government files. Supporters say she downloaded files to prove she'd been required to do campaign work on the taxpayers' dime. Prosecutors say she stole those files, then turned them over to political rivals during an election cycle.

It will ultimately be up to a judge or jury to determine guilt, but one thing is clear. Had Dalby taken her information, be it valid or not, to the proper authorities, she likely would not now be a political pawn facing prison.

At a time when pay-to-play, fraud, and corruption are buzz words angering many Americans, we're demanding accountability from boardrooms to the governor's mansion.

President Obama just called on all of us to blow the whistle on those who accept, then misuse public money or power. The new federal stimulus bill, in fact, contains a provision to protect employees who report fraud or mismanagement by firms getting any stimulus funding.

Here in Illinois where indictment and governor have too often been in the same sentence, we're maxed out on the misuse of taxpayer time and money. We want people to come forward, not fear telling authorities of possible wrongdoing by public or private employers.

If Dalby, who was then 22, felt forced to do campaign work at a government workplace during her tax-paid workday, that's a concern. It's illegal for election activity to take place in any tax-funded environment. And we urge the U.S. attorney and Illinois attorney general to take a close look at this situation to ensure that was not the case and to make sure the indictment is not some form of political payback as has been alleged.

We also urge any employee, public or private, to be sure not to break a law as they attempt to prove wrongdoing.

If you feel there is illegal activity at your government or private workplace, you should contact your local law enforcement agency, the Illinois attorney general's office at (312) 814-3000 or, for federal issues, the U.S. attorney's office at (312) 353-5300. They will advise you how to proceed without putting yourself in jeopardy.

Illinois' State Officials and Employees Ethics Act protects state employees who report fraud, corruption and waste, prohibiting retaliatory action against them. Other laws protect state and federal whistle-blowers.

Let's face it. Few in this economy eagerly want to take the risk of reporting wrongdoing, but it's vital they do. Just make sure it's done right.