We all have a past. Good choices or bad, they make up who we are and what we’ve become. Some people learn from their mistakes and live a richer life because of them. Others aren’t so fortunate.

Political candidates have a unique challenge in this information age of lightening-fast media. Just by running for a local public office, like county commission, candidates open themselves up to excessive scrutiny, and rightfully so. Elected officials are representing the public and the public’s business. Their behavior needs to be professional and above reproach. Even during off-hours when they let their hair down, so to speak.

County commission candidate Nathan Pack was found guilty of DUI and refusing a Breathalyzer this week from an offense he committed a year ago. According to a story in today’s Herald, what got a casino security guard’s attention was that Pack was loud and roughhousing with a friend during a night out on the town. Video surveillance from the casino clearly showed that he got into his GMC Yukon and drove. We’ll never know exactly how impaired he was, but the action of driving while under the influence was irresponsible, especially since Pack’s friend said a ride was coming. Pack even owns a delivery and taxi service in Moses Lake. It appeared he had options other than driving himself.

Some may say Pack’s conviction helped narrow the candidate pool for the county commission race and fuel interest in the other available candidates. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: the story has picked up traction online with 96 “shares” on the paper’s Facebook page and about 30 comments as of Wednesday afternoon. People are weighing in on the race and getting their word in. When the dust settles, it’s likely many people will know Pack’s name and that he ran for county commission. Online, many are judging Pack, some are supporting him, and others are urging people not to rush to judgment.

This week, Tom Taylor, a former Moses Lake fire chief, and Brian McGowan, a former Port of Moses Lake commissioner, appeared to be the top contenders for the race after news of Pack’s DUI surfaced. Taylor and Pack came through the recent primary election as the top two vote-getters. When news of Pack’s DUI came to light, McGowan launched a write-in campaign for the general election. Last night, McGowan announced on Facebook he wasn’t able to continue as a write-in after reading the law concerning repeat candidates like himself.

McGowan said unless something unforeseen happens, he couldn’t continue his campaign. He thanked everyone for their support.

Here’s how the candidates fared in the primary: Taylor, 29.75 percent of the votes, Pack 27.47 percent, McGowan 18.49 percent, and former Moses Lake city councilman James Liebrecht 17.29 percent. We haven’t heard if Liebrecht is taking advantage of the situation and starting his own write-in campaign. It is possible Liebrecht could do so, given that McGowan is likely out of the race.

During this political season, it’s important to have a good selection of candidates. While Pack had good voter support going into the primary, we think it’s important that residents take his conviction into account when casting their ballots for the general election. The fact that his arrest was only a year back is cause for concern. We would be more lenient in our assessment if his DUI were several years ago. People do change and mellow out over several years. In this case, not enough time has passed.

Pack’s DUI shows poor judgment and immaturity. We know voters want more and deserve more in a candidate for public office.

— Editorial Board