Those with political aspirations in Michigan may have to disclose felony convictions that happened within the past 10 years. State Rep. Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Township) has introduced legislation that would add a checkbox to candidate forms.
The Republican lawmaker says the bill would not prevent felons from running.
“We shouldn't force our constituents to go on a fishing expedition. We should disclose that,” he says. “We are representing the public. We are representing our constituents. And we should be transparent with them so that we disclose who we are as individuals and as candidates.”
No vote has been set for House Bill 4825.
A separate bill would ban employers from requesting that information on job applications. State Rep. Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit) sponsored that measure. The joblessness rate among felons is much higher than the general population.
Kesto hasn't looked at Durhal's bill yet, but he thinks it is possible for both to pass. He believes, though, that politicians should be held to a higher standard: “We represent them in a different capacity as elected officials. They should know who we are, whether we've had any prior felonies. Whether there is a question of public trust.”