The politics in neighboring DeKalb County have been fraught with corruption for years. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, who campaigned on an image of being a buttoned-down reformer, was indicted for felony charges in regards to accusations of extorting contractors for campaign contributions. Whether or not he is guilty of these charges will be determined at a later date.

The question for the residents of DeKalb County is should a leader that has been charged with these serious charges be allowed to stay in office and be the chief representative of the county while the judicial system decides his guilt or innocence.

It seems to us Ellis himself should have the honor and courage to step aside until he clears his name. But at this point he has made a decision to drag his constituents through the mud with him as he attempts to clear his smudged name.

We are surprised that Governor Nathan Deal, in appointing a panel to bring recommendations on Ellis’ fate, picked our own Commission Chairman Richard Oden, a reported good friend of Ellis on that panel.

Although at times we disagree with Oden’s policies we have found him to be an honorable man. On that basis we hope that he can make a decision not based on race or party but on what best benefits the citizens of DeKalb County.

His decision will reflect on the integrity of our own county.