"Drug Test Elected Officials." Proposed Only by John Cheeks, D.C. Council Chairman Candidate

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- John Cheeks, independent candidate for City Council Chairman, is the only candidate proposing Mandatory Drug Testing for D.C. Council members, the Mayor, Attorney General, Inspector General and their offices. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140926/148717

"Rumors abound about drug use in these offices. One way to put the rumors to rest is to drug test."

If officials are using illegal drugs, they are more subject to blackmail, being influenced by their drug suppliers, which may be lobbyists, or others wanting legislation or protection from law. Illegal drugs may be used as bribes.

Most City Council members are silent on Cheeks' proposed legislation: the Public Accountability and Safety Test Act. 

The legislation would require several times yearly testing depending upon the official: Mayor (4), Chairman (8), Council members (3), D.C. Attorney General (10), D.C. Inspector General (10), Legal and Investigative Tier 1 Staff Members of D.C. 's Attorney General and Inspector General (12).

When one council member was asked to take a drug test the member said it was a violation of civil rights--- yet it appears not to be violation of civil rights of thousands of D.C. government employees tested annually.

• Police Department personnel undergo drug tests, about 1,250 tests per year.
• Department of Transportation, 200-300 tests per year.
• D.C. Human Resources over 1,500 tests for pre employment applications
• State Superintendent of Education (school bus drivers), Fire Department, D.C. Public Schools, and other agencies are responsible for having some employees drug tested annually.

The city council has not proposed any legislation for drug testing the council , elected or appointed officials, but passed legislation requiring others.

Before being hired, applicants are tested by the D.C. Human Resources Department. After hired, tested by District agencies.

"We insist on drug testing government employees, construction workers, and private corporations insist on testing employees. Isn't time we hold our elected officials to the same standards?"

Those who test positive will not immediately be removed from office.  Instead they will have two options: attend rehabilitation programs or resign their council seat.  (See www.electcheeks.com/8.htm for details, references and elected officials contact information.)   

Given the District's history with Mayor Marion Barry being arrested in 1990 for illegal use and possession of crack cocaine, and a dysfunctional council,  it is no wonder John Cheeks is making mandatory drug testing a campaign issue.  Mr. Cheeks believes it is only one of many steps the District needs to take to clean up the Council and Mayor's office and to focus on legislation the areas of job creation, housing, education and other areas.

John Cheeks, known as the "Candidate with the Agenda", the "Knock out Candidate" and the "Black Bloomberg", 15 point action program includes 14 other areas needing legislation which can be seen on www.ElectCheeks.com/15.htm. Drug testing is known as #8 on the 15 point program.

Media Contact: Ron Bonfilio, (518) 423 5461 or Email, www.ElectCheeks.com/8.htm   

HONEST GOVERNMENT = PUBLIC SAFETY

SOURCE John Cheeks