Delphi City Clerk-Treasurer Janice Roe is to be commended for undergoing what had to be a terribly uncomfortable interview about problems in her department as cited by the Indiana State Board of Accounts.

She has been in office for four years and this is the first time she has been directly questioned by the media about bookkeeping issues in her office. But she did not hesitate to agree to an interview.

Roe did not express concern that the report was made public. She did not refuse to be interviewed. Roe knew what had to be done and displayed the courage to do it.

City council members should read the audit report. They too must understand the financial workings of the city because they are responsible for them. They must all know the level of long-term debt, and how that financial liability is taken care of before any more money is borrowed and any more staff is added to the city employment rolls.

They should foremost stand up and face their reflection. Only then will they gain the admiration and the respect of those who pay the bills. Mrs. Roe has already done just that.