“font-family: Verdana;”>Just when it looked as if the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) had decertified former “font-family: Verdana;”>Police Chief Michael Baxton because of a felony robbery conviction from 1982, ending his career as a law enforcement official, a new legal twist has come into play.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>St. Clair County Judge Stephen McGlynn has now ordered the ILETSB to recertify Baxton as the result of a November 1, 1989 ruling by former Madison County Circuit Judge Edward Ferguson which directed that Baxton’s arrest records and convictions be vacated and expunged.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Judge McGlynn’s contention is that the ILETSB relied on anonymously submitted information on Baxton without exercising due diligence in their investigation and should have treating Baxton’s record as if it were non-existent.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>And while that ruling may be legally sound and good, in theory, I still have grave concerns about this matter.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>First, I agree with Judge McGlynn that the ILETSB did a sloppy job in their investigation of Baxton’s record, relying on information from someone who clearly wants to bring Baxton down a peg or two. Being publicly held up as a felon and a liar is both humiliating and career-damaging.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>I can’t tell you how many columns that I have refused to write because some anonymous person has provided me with unsubstantiated information or scandalous news (about a politician or public figure) based upon their personal hatred of that individual.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>However, my problem with Michael Baxton is his refusal, over the years, to clear the air regarding this matter.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>If, in fact, Baxton’s record was expunged for totally legitimate reasons (lack of evidence, mistaken identity, bogus witnesses, etc.) then Baxton should have put that matter to rest years ago.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>But, if Baxton’s record was erased because of politics, quid pro quo or an accommodation by former Judge Ferguson, then there is cause for concern.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>KMOV-TV reporter Craig Cheatham has repeatedly displayed a mug shot of Michael Baxton, taken during the time of the Baxton’s arrest. It’s not a figment of our imagination as Baxton would have us to believe. Something clearly happened. What that something is, only Michael Baxton knows and only Michael Baxton can clarify.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>It’s not good enough for Baxton to deny that he was ever arrested or ever had a record. If Baxton wants to serve as police chief of Alorton, IL or as East St. Louis police chief (which will probably be the case if Mayor Alvin Parks Jr. has his way), he must gain the respect of the community and of those who report to him by being forthcoming.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In his previous stint as ESL police chief, many remember his attempts to cover for a drunken cop who was found asleep at the wheel in Belleville, as well as his hiring of several cops (including his own son) with questionable background challenges.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The issue here is about integrity and character, not about whether Michael Baxton can hide behind legalities and thumb his nose at the system.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>And if I’m wrong, then all Michael Baxton has to do is lay out the specifics of what happened back in 1982 and reclaim his good name, not gloat over a judge’s ruling over some mysterious facts or politics.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>If you like my column, then you’ll LOVE my radio show, “Listen Up with James Ingram”, each Friday from 7-8 p.m. on WGNU-920am radio. Listen and call in. I’d love to hear from you. Email:
“mailto:jtingram_1960@yahoo.com”>
“text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;”>jtingram_1960@yahoo.com
