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May 1, 2009

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: A painful betrayal of trust

There should be no absence of outrage

Anonymous The Tribune Star Fri May 01, 2009, 07:14 AM EDT

TERRE HAUTE — David W. Decker’s admission in federal court this week that he distributed methamphetamine is disturbing on many levels.

Methamphetamine has long been a hideous scourge on Vigo County and west-central Indiana. A few years ago, before the adoption of new laws and crackdowns by police agencies and the courts, local law enforcement officials called meth’s expanding presence “public enemy number one.”

Indeed, Vigo County earlier this decade led the state in the number of meth labs busted by police agencies.

During those years when meth manufacturing and use was such an intense local crisis, Decker served on the Vigo County Council. At the same time, he was a longtime teacher at Terre Haute South Vigo High School. As an intelligent, highly educated man, there can be no doubt he understood the impact of this public menace and the destructive powers it possessed.

Yet we now learn that Decker recently participated in the distribution of meth.

While some might suggest that his was a victimless crime, the opposite is true. The wanton deceit by an elected public official represents a gross violation of the trust placed in him by multiple segments of the community. Those who placed their faith in him are victims. Those who looked to him for vision and leadership are victims. Those who sought him as an ally in county government to battle the community’s drug problems are victims.

Although it is unfair to tar all public officials because of the reprehensible actions of a few, Decker’s conduct taints the integrity and credibility of all who work in the public sector.

There should be no reluctance on the part of his former colleagues in county government to express disgust over his actions. He deserves no deference. This marks the second time in the past year that an elected official has resigned from a county position because of criminal activity. Public officials who serve with honesty and integrity have a right to be angry.

Vigo County’s reputation once again suffers because of the criminal conduct of a public official. Fortunately, Decker’s plea bargain with federal authorities required him to immediately resign his elected position. That will give his former colleagues the opportunity to quickly try to repair the damage to government credibility brought on by this troubling episode.

One way to begin that process is for the Democratic Party to elect a replacement beyond reproach. Now is not the time to play party politics with a crucial open position. There are only three county commissioners. We urge Democratic Party leaders to recruit a top-notch individual with strong character to perform these important duties.

A concerned community will be watching.

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