A Felon In Office? Getting A Good Neighbor Award?

All right folks. I need your input on this one.

On our ballot a few weeks ago, we had to vote yes or no as to whether or not it should be possible for a convicted felon to hold government office. I can't remember if it was for my county or state. Regardless: should this not be a no-brainer?? A convicted felon in government office? I mean, I feel like most politicians are crooks anyway, but to be convicted, by a jury of your peers, and be still able to run for office? No freakin' way.

The next one gives me a TINY hesitation because...well...here's the thing. A guy was given a Good Neighbor Award in Albion, Michigan. He's a high school band director. He's also a convicted sex offender. In 1999, a 10 year old girl accused him of touching her inappropriately. Although this guy pleaded no contest, he went to jail, and felt the need to defend himself. Ken Fourn says, “If I had any inkling that it would disturb people that I received an award for helping out with the community band I never would have accepted it.” (wwmt.com)

Really? Or would you never have accepted it if you knew your ugly past would erupt? The Chamber of Commerce in Albion,who gave him this award, stand behind Mr. Fourn as a married man of 30 years who has done great things for the community.

"'One of my students took offense to a maneuver that I use to teach breathing,” said Fourn. Fourn says that student was a ten-year-old girl. “In hindsight the young lady probably was offended by the way I touched her,” said Fourn. “I had no idea that it would cause such a firestorm.'" (wwmt.com)

M'kay. I played in band. Ain't NO breathing technique for ANY instrument that requires a 50+ man touching a 10 year old girl in ANY way, shape, form or fashion.

Albion stands behind its decision and will not retract the award, however, they will "in the future will do more research before handing out awards." (wwmt.com)

So what do you think? Should it be a carte blanche NO WAY? Should it depend on the when the offense happened and the degree to which it happened?

As a Christian, I believe that God can help ANY one conquer ANY thing. And that includes sexual perversion. I believe in forgiveness. However, almost every research study you check says that sex offenders have the highest recidivism rate among all criminals. It's not impossible to be "cured" but it would seriously take the Divine Hand of God to remove it.

So as a safety precaution, I guess I would err on the side of caution. Fair or not, my concern would be for any children involved in any way. If it came down to black and white yes or no (should registered, convicted sex offenders to eligible for community or state awards?) I would have to say no. What about you?

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!