Chicago aldermen propose random drug testing for city employees

Chicago aldermen propose random drug testing for city employees

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Two Chicago aldermen say they want random drug testing for all city employees.

14th Ward Alderman Edward Burke and 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O’Connor proposed legislation that would mandate random screening. If passed, anybody who works for the city could be tested, including city council members.

At a press conference Wednesday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel wouldn’t say how he felt about the proposal.

“I gotta read it, I gotta hear what the hearings are, I gotta see what the opinions are, and vice versa,” Emanuel said. “I haven’t read it and I don’t want to give an opinion on something I haven’t read, okay?”

In a statement, Burke and O’Connor say the testing would help protect residents from errors in judgement by city employees.

The ordinance now moves to the Workforce Development and Audit Committee, which is chaired by O’Connor.