Dellums pushed to 'ban the box'


erniem
erniem's picture

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 455
Actually a felony conviction is a good sign to watch out for. Most of the guys get suspended or reduced sentences due to overcrowding I wish the conviction meant they paid their dues. But he will go ahead and allow this and the citizens of Oakland will end up being the victims. Business as usual in Oakland.
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Tupac
Tupac's picture

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 21
The candidate will still have to prove themselvs qualified for the position and a backround check is always done anyway which will pull up everything on a persons record. Just because a person commited a crime doesn't mean that they shouldn't be given another chance but at least they will get a chance to prove themselvs before the backround check comes back. The word felony turns employers off with out getting a chance to see what the actual crime was or get to know a persons true character.
erniem
erniem's picture

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 455
I am (or was) an employer and hired according to resume and character, including a convicted murderer.  However I still want the City of Oakland to KNOW who they are hiring.  And the background checks are often laughable.   If the background check is going to sink them, then why waste the citie's money making it?
bluepeas
bluepeas's picture

Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 142
Well said, "Tupac". And the first opportunity they'll get to prove themselves worthy is "honesty" in character. One thing my wishy washy mom did say when I was little which proved to be true is, ppl that lie will steal (and I'm not talking about little white lies). Youngsters have told me, "Well I've told lies but I don't steal". Well, one day when the opportunity presents itself, ppl that have no conscious when it comes to lying, WILL steal...even from their friends. Never judge a person's character by what they do in the presence of others, judge them by what they do when they think no one is watching. (Quote; The word felony turns employers off with out getting a chance to see what the actual crime was or get to know a persons true character). I agree w/ your post except for that above statement. Outside of an interviewer's (or individual's) personal issues, that has changed a long time ago. Anyone who allows personal feelings to interfere w/ professionalism, should not be allowed to hold any type of lead position, worst yet, be allowed to make decisions for any thriving company. Any position under leadership which has their priorities crossed up or leads by personal feelings, is a job unworthy for anyone whose trying to put their lives back together. Matter of fact, that type of working enviroment is 'unhealthy' for any employee. Most are unhappy w/ their jobs b/c of this type of leadership. That's how I feel about it. How an individual presents himself & appearance can change that whole (felony) perception in an interview. Next is honesty & qualifications. A social person is a healthy person & these days many have had dealings w/ ppl who have criminal backgrounds or substance abuse issues. That includes pills, alcohol (cocktails, whatever) & cocaine issues suburban, etc, America has behind their Wall Street office doors. I wouldn't want to work for anyone anti-social or mentally unhealthy, period. I could tell you so many stories of felons (even w/ murder n 2-11's on their rap sheet as youths) who got GOOD paying jobs "on their own" after training or college (and prayers of course), including myself & my past 14 pg rap sheet, but the success stories I can't tell you about r ones who go in w/ the wrong attitude, assuming they're not getting the job or unworthy & lying. Many think they're turned down b/c of their rap sheet when in actuality it's they're lack of qualifications. One thing I have noticed tho is the older a 'male' ex offender is the less likely ppl are willing to hire him. I guess, ppl always see hope in helping younger ppl get back on track but feel 35 & over is a waste of time.   ~~> Those that say it cannot be done should not stand in the way of those that are doing it <~~
Traveler
Traveler's picture

Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Let's also remember that there are dishonest people and crooked people in government who are not felons but deserve to be prosecuted as such.  In fact, some of their crimes might be even greater than someone caught using narcotics or in small theft.  This holds true for those presently disobeying Congress' subpeonas to testify like Karl Rove to the public servant who will collect a salary and not do anything for it or will use it to enrich themselves and spend time on the job engaged in activities other than what we are paying them for. Do such white collar thieves who haven't been caught and convicted or branded as felons consider themselves to be criminals? Heck no. We don't have enough police on the streets let alone to monitor the billions of dollars of white collar crime which goes on in this country.
Traveler
Traveler's picture

Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Oakland's problems lie not so much with its employees as with its managers and supervisors starting at the very top and working on down. This is a sideshow diversion. The question is will these employees have the discipline and work ethics to perform? A question for the top as well as the bottom.

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