A bipartisan panel of four prosecutors from jurisdictions outside Salt Lake County concluded last week that there was sufficient credible evidence to sustain beyond a reasonable doubt the charges against Workman. She is charged with using $17,000 in public funds to hire two bookkeepers, in succession, to work for the South Valley Boys and Girls Club under the supervision of her daughter, Aisza Workman. Given that finding, Yocom, in one sense, had no choice but to do his duty and file the charges against her.

But a prosecutor does have some discretion as to when to file charges and whether to try to reach a deal with the defense about charges or pleas.

Yocom's decision to move immediately serves the public interest in several ways. It triggered a law that placed Mayor Workman on leave with pay pending the outcome of the case, and it allowed the County Council to appoint her deputy, Alan Dayton, as acting county mayor. Those steps eliminate the uncertainty that would have continued if Workman had remained in office under the cloud that criminal charges could be filed against her at any time.

They also free Workman from her public duties to prepare her defense.

The political implications of the case are compounded because Workman is running for re-election in November. If she were convicted of the crimes for which she is charged, she would be disqualified to hold public office. However, there is virtually no chance that her criminal trial could be held prior to election day.

State election law provides that a party's county central committee may certify the name of a new candidate if, after the primary election but before the general election, the party's candidate dies or resigns because of becoming physically or mentally disabled as certified by a physician. However, the law says nothing about replacing a candidate on the ballot who becomes disqualified to hold public office because of a criminal conviction. So, even if she pleaded guilty, her name would remain on the ballot, but if elected, she could not serve.

Yocom's prompt filing of the criminal charges allows the Republican Party in Salt Lake County and the voters the most time possible to consider their options.

Of course, Workman also is entitled to the presumption of innocence and her day in court.

Yocom has not decided whether to appoint a special prosecutor. Such a prosecutor is unnecessary. Yocom's office has the largest staff of career prosecutors in the state, and the taxpayers should rely on them to do the job.