Assessor Scott Noble must step down

KING County Assessor Scott Noble has been an exemplary public official. Through long years of doing a difficult job well he has always done the right thing. Now, that would include stepping down.

Shocking news of a horrific head-on collision last month on Interstate 5 in Federal Way does not leave any option other than resignation.

State Patrol accounts describe Noble pulling over on the freeway in the early morning, and then doing a U-turn into oncoming traffic. He and two women in another SUV suffered injuries and broken bones. Noble's blood-alcohol test was 0.22 percent, nearly triple the legal limit.

Looking at photos of the two vehicles, it is amazing no one was killed or more grievously hurt.

Legal ramifications of the accident are still being sorted out. Levels of responsibility and accountability before the law have yet to be determined. Political and public-policy judgments are not in doubt. Noble has issues and near-fatal distractions to be resolved outside of public life.

Noble must resign. Terrible circumstances dictate that outcome. His departure is a wretched, premature end of a distinguished career for a respected official. He was a real-estate analyst in private business when he was first elected in 1992. His subsequent management of the office earned him professional honors and broad endorsement for re-election.

His stunning personal lapse might have claimed three lives. Noble's expression of remorse and apologies are heartfelt to be sure. His immediate future is clouded by legal proceedings. Stepping down is appropriate for him and the public process.

The vacancy in the assessor's job will be filled. The first step is a regretted, but wholly appropriate resignation.