IL: When Someone Gives a Person a Second Chance, They Shouldn’t Stand Alone

The Mayor of the Village of Bellmont, Illinois, is facing significant criticism after hiring a registrant to perform maintenance and manual labor work for the village.

Mayor Linda Johnson made the decision to hire Matthew Berberich for maintenance work around the village. Regardless of anyone’s opinion about Mr. Berberich’s past, Illinois law does not prohibit him from obtaining lawful employment. In fact, our society benefits when people are working, paying taxes, and contributing to their communities rather than being pushed to the margins. Research consistently shows that stable employment is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry. If we truly want safer communities, we should support policies and decisions that encourage rehabilitation and reintegration—not punish people forever by denying them every opportunity to earn an honest living.

FAC encourages members to send a respectful and supportive email to Mayor Johnson thanking her for recognizing that employment is a critical part of successful reentry and public safety. Keep your message positive, professional, and respectful. Let her know that offering lawful employment opportunities to qualified individuals who have paid their debt to society is not only compassionate — it’s smart public policy.

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Town Hall: 618-298-2520