One city’s officials are stepping up to help underline the importance of pre employment testing.

In the City of Opelousas, La., Mayor Donald Cravins Sr. and the city’s board of aldermen have agreed to undergo the same drug screening program required for policeman and other city employees, according to an article by the Daily World.

“This is a message to our employees that this is important,” Cravins, who proposed the change, said in the article. “Far too many have failed their drug tests in the short time I have been mayor.”

Although the change to the drug testing rule was brought about by Cravins, it was unanimously endorsed by the six council members. The additions to the current policy, which requires a drug test upon employment and random tests throughout the year, is a return to an old policy of the same nature. Until the late 1990s, drug testing policies applied to the city council and other city employees.

“If it is good enough for our employees, it should be good enough for the council and mayor,” Cravins, who argued that city leaders work for the people as much as anyone in public works and other departments, added. “It is a gesture of good faith.”

The city also plans to stress the importance of living a drug-free life by implementing increased educational programs.