Just a name and a recommendation may not be enough in the future for an appointment or reappointment by the La Salle County Board to a local government board.

At Tuesday's meeting of the County Board's Legislative and Rules Committee, Matt McLaughlin, D-Peru, suggested a completed short background questionnaire be required from those up for appointment or reappointment to fire protection district boards and other agencies.

The County Board's long-standing policy has been to rubber-stamp appointments or reappointments to vacancies exactly as requested by the local government, typically in the form of a letter sent by their attorney. Credentials are not provided.

County officials have in the past defended the policy, saying it would be too time-consuming to provide a review of all the candidates and the local governments know best who to recommend.

McLaughlin said the procedure left him feeling uneasy.

"Usually, I have no clue who these guys are. I hate to put it just this way, but I feel like I am voting almost blind."

Committee member Rick Scott, D-Ottawa, also said he had misgivings, sometimes to the point where he felt he should not vote.

Other committee members seemed to agree.

Jack Leininger, R-Marseilles, who has served a number of terms on the board of the Marseilles Fire Protection District, said he had no problem with the proposal.

Tom Walsh, D-Ottawa, suggested candidates for appointment or reappointment be required as a minimum to provide the statement of economic interest they are required to file with the county clerk's office.

The current appointment system does not allow for consideration of appointments of anyone unless they are first recommended by the members of the local board.