Doing so would not be an admission of guilt or an abridgement of her right to be presumed innocent. It would simply acknowledge the reality that the nature of the charges — allowing teenagers to drink alcoholic beverages during a party at her house — undermines her authority to sit on a board that considers issues involving the well-being of young people. While some may view teen drinking as a rite of passage or symptom of rebellion, it’s against the law. More importantly, it results in death or injury to thousands of teenagers.

Because Piper has not voluntarily removed herself, however, four county commissioners were right to urge her to step aside until the charges are resolved. By calling into question her credibility as a board member, the charges affect the board’s functioning as a whole. It should not have to operate, even temporarily, under a pall of suspicion. If exonerated, she would be promptly restored to her post.

The charges against Piper, who has been a free-lance contributor to the Post, also underscore the need for a code of conduct that would apply to all elected and appointed officials. The commissioners have agreed to draft such a code, similar to those adopted by government bodies elsewhere. Hopefully, they can do so quickly.