State rep won’t answer question about criminal history

9-19-2012 Illinois:

Mayfield says she doesn't believe the question should be asked

State Rep. Rita Mayfield has refused to tell the Daily Herald if she’s ever been arrested, saying she believes potential employers and other people shouldn’t be allowed to ask such a question.

A question about criminal history appeared on the questionnaire sent to all of the candidates in races the Daily Herald will cover ahead of the Nov. 6 election. Mayfield answered most of the questions but left blank one that asks if the candidate has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

When asked about the omission in a telephone interview, the Waukegan Democrat said she has backed legislation that would make it illegal for employers and landlords to ask applicants about arrest records. She sponsored one such bill in early 2011, records show, but it never made it to the full House floor for a vote.

Mayfield said she didn’t answer the Daily Herald’s question to ...continued... by Russell Lissau