Voters can judge McGrath’s DUI

The initial reaction among city leaders to the arrest of Huntington Beach City Atty. Jennifer McGrath on suspicion of drunk driving largely has been muted and forgiving. “It’s kind of upsetting, and yet she’s a human being, and hopefully she’s learned from her mistake and she’ll never do it again,” City Councilman and former police officer Gil Coerper told the Independent. “I look at it like when a police officer ... [gets a DUI]. You deal with it day in and day out, and when it does happen to a fellow officer, you hope that they will learn a lesson and keep out of trouble.” Mayor Dave Sullivan echoed the sentiment, telling the paper: “I think everyone deserves a second chance.”

But whether McGrath, whose preliminary breath tests showed her blood-alcohol level to be .21 -- close to three times the legal limit -- earns a second chance is not up to city leaders. McGrath does not work for the members of the City Council or top administrators in City Hall. She works for the residents of the city, who voted her into office in 2002 and again will be asked to cast their ballots in November. It is up to them to decide if her arrest (she is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 21) troubles them enough to want the 37-year-old out of office.

Residents should take this decision seriously, not forgetting for a second the seriousness -- and potential deadliness -- of driving while intoxicated. They certainly should take it more seriously than city leaders have thus far. Among the issues they should consider:

* The meaning of responsibility. McGrath said following her arrest: “I made a mistake. I’m taking full responsibility for my actions and any consequences therefrom. I deeply apologize for any embarrassment I have caused the city or my family and friends, and I can assure this will never happen again.” She would not, however, elaborate on what “taking full responsibility” in this case means. Any other employer likely would demand accountability and require that clear, specific and measurable steps be taken following such an incident.

* The power of perception. Huntington Beach City Hall already has suffered through more than its share of troubles. Are residents willing to let this latest black eye go past without taking steps that will show they are tired of the crimes and misdemeanors plaguing City Hall? Are residents OK with the message their inaction would send? What about the message it might send to their children, who have read or heard about McGrath’s arrest but don’t see any punishment meted out by voters to a woman charged with enforcing the city’s laws?

* How the punishment fits the crime. McGrath, who was driving on the wrong side of Main Street right before she was arrested, was fortunate. Her alleged DUI didn’t end as too many do: in death or injury. But her escaping this arrest without worse consequences does not mean that what she did was any less wrong than the actions of a drunk driver who causes an accident. Is her apologizing for the arrest enough for residents?

Residents -- or at least those who vote -- have 10 months to decide how they feel about McGrath’s arrest. Perhaps having considered her situation, they will decide they don’t think her arrest merits removal of office. Perhaps they will. Whatever decision they come to, it should be one made after honest, and thoughtful, deliberation.