Time for Hurlbut to step down

By the Journal Editorial Board | Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Previous Page

Share

• del.icio.us
• Digg
• NewsVine
• Fark

Print

Email

Strike two for Rapid City Alderman Bob Hurlbut. This past weekend Hurlbut was arrested in Rapid City for driving under the influence of alcohol.

It’s the alderman’s second arrest for DUI since 2006. It’s time for Hurlburt to resign his position on the Rapid City council.

Hurlbut was arrested early Saturday after being stopped for a speeding violation. A breath test showed a blood alcohol level of .12, over the .08 limit. In 2006, the alderman’s vehicle was stopped at a green light holding up traffic. His arrest for DUI followed that incident after a breath test indicated a blood alcohol content of .257.

Even in light of this second offense, the alderman said he’ll spend the next week weighing his options. In his personal life he may have options that should seriously be considered, but in his civic life only one route makes sense: Step down.

The public trust in the alderman is gone. The citizens of Rapid City put their trust in the officials they elect to office, believing those officials can make wise decisions and offer leadership to the community. Can Hurlbut do that now? No. Even the perception he’s unable to fill the duties of office undermine the work the city is doing.

Elected officials – who need the public trust and spend the public money — at all levels of government should be held accountable for their actions. We don’t have to look far to see officials fall into situations that lead to their political demise, and rightfully so.

The alderman said he had never taken a drink before a council meeting because that’s a line he wouldn’t cross, but that misses the point   entirely.

The line that shouldn’t be crossed is drinking more alcohol than the law allows before getting behind the wheel and in doing so endangering the very public he represents. Failure to show the proper judgment and proper restraint in his personal time makes us question his abilities in his official capacity.

Hurlbut can’t be forced to resign. State law doesn’t dictate removal from office for a DUI arrest. State’s Attorney Larry Long pointed out that, while state law wouldn’t remove the city official, voters may.

“Voters seem to take a dim view of officials breaking the law, and it usually gets resolved at the next  election,” Long said.

We don’t think voters should have to wait until the next election; it’s time to step down.