Perhaps no other local political race has been discussed and debated more than this year’s Adams County Circuit Clerk race.

The office is always one of high interest, given the potential for earning a large income and being in a position of perceived power within the county government.

But this year’s race is underscored by years of corruption by the current administration culminating in an Adams County grand jury indicting incumbent clerk M.L. “Binkey” Vines on 13 charges of embezzlement.

Most of us know the rest of that story, but for anyone who doesn’t: Vines worked a deal with the state attorney general’s office, agreeing to plead guilty to three counts of embezzlement in exchange for dropping the other 10 he faced.

A special judge appointed to the case then refused to accept Vines’ plea pending good behavior for a year, apparently only the judge can determine what counts as “good behavior.” The ruling allowed Vines to remain in office and run for reelection, despite having admitted his guilt in embezzling public funds, which is a felony.

So Vines’ shenanigans have turned the public trust into a tale worthy of a dime store novel.

Fortunately, three men — three good men — stepped forward to seek the position Vines now holds.

Either of the other three men would be a vast improvement from the current crooked administration. Yes, we follow the ABB rule in this race — Anybody But Binkey. We make no excuses for that. Vines admitted to breaking the law and, obviously, the public trust. He needs to go.

However, after interviewing the three challengers — Vines said he was unavailable during the week of our interviews — we believe one stands out.

That man is Wilbur Johnson.

Johnson is in the unique position of having worked in the Adams County Circuit Clerk’s office for eight years as a deputy clerk. He understands how the office should operate.

He is well educated, well versed in what should happen in the office and has the communication skills necessary to get things cleaned up and to coordinate with all aspects of the circuit clerk’s office.

We feel he’s the best, most logical, selection for the office.