Oops.

Last week, the Langley City Council voted to appoint Robin Black to fill a vacancy left by Councilwoman Margot Jerome. Trouble is, Jerome participated in the vote, which is against state law and nullified the decision.

One could argue that it’s the city’s job to know how these things are supposed to work, but accidents do happen and the web of state rules that seem to dictate cities’ every move are as complicated as they are extensive.

In this instance, what matters most was what the city did later. Once the error was pointed out, the problem was addressed quickly and a date for a new appointment vote scheduled. Mayor Fred McCarthy also phoned The Record in the name of transparency.

Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s what we do to set the matter straight that is the true measure of our quality.