Supervisor Rios responds to Babeu’s hiring ban idea

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We live in a country founded by people who wanted a second chance in life.

The pilgrims set sail for the new world looking for a chance to start a new life without religious persecution. They were afforded that second chance by hard work, determination and a spirit that was willing to overlook the obstacles of starting over.

Keeping that in mind, I read with interest Sheriff Paul Babeu’s monthly article to the residents of Pinal County. He expressed an interest that the Board of Supervisors adopt a policy that would prohibit departments from hiring a person with a felony conviction.

Simply stated, that would be against the law.

Under Arizona Revised Statute 13-904 E, the state, any state agency or any political subdivision (which includes Pinal County) cannot disqualify a person for employment due to a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction in or out of the State of Arizona.

The second part of ARS 13-904 E, gives the state, any state agency or any political subdivision, the right to disqualify anyone with a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction if their offense has a reasonable relationship to the job in question.

I think it is important that residents understand the hiring guidelines that the county must abide by. I am not advocating the hiring of felons, but an outright ban is unlawful. A prudent and thorough review of an applicant’s background is necessary to find the right candidate for any open position.

Make no mistake. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors takes the public’s trust seriously. Under the Board’s direction, a draft policy and procedure is currently under review that would give clear guidance for background and credit checks for potential employees.

While recent arrests within Pinal County have been highly publicized, the issue begs a debate on a larger stage. Should we as a civilized society condemn ex-felons, who have paid their debt to the community, by holding them back from trying to earn an honest living and becoming a productive citizen?

For every person that re-offends, there are dozens of stories about people who have rehabilitated and reinvented themselves to make a successful transition from prison to private life.

My point is this: if we do not afford some people who have paid their debt to society a second chance, we take a huge risk of them offending again, thus becoming another burden upon the taxpayers.

Pete Rios, District 1 Pinal County Supervisor

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