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EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (AP) -- After nine mayors in 11 years and problems with several city officials some say Eagle Mountain should run criminal background checks on candidates for public office.
Councilman David Lifferth wants an ordinance requiring the checks. He says voters should have the information before casting votes.
Lifferth says allegations of mortgage fraud by mayoral candidate Richard Culbertson and pending felony charges filed against Councilwoman Linn Strouse are proof of the problems that exist.
He proposes publishing the information in a city voting guide and on its Web site. He says it's no different from background checks for prospective employee.
A city attorney will review the idea -- although it may run up against state laws that require job candidates to sign waivers allowing the checks. The law also restricts distribution of the information.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
