With decades of hard work, Island Transit grew from a veritable one-horse operation to an all-star transportation agency, one that shuttled thousands of riders across the county for years all for free.

Then, in one fell swoop, it all came crashing down.

While debates continue to rage about responsibility, particularly about how much of it translates to the board of directors, Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks announced this week that state police are investigating the actions of Martha Rose, the former organization chief. Rose did many positive things while at the helm, but Banks’ decision is the right one.

Aside from being ultimately responsible for the agency’s fate, a state audit outlined a series of legally questionable actions by the former director, from taking time off without deducting it from her leave or vacation balance to claiming weeks at a conference when records indicate otherwise.

Though those same state auditors also placed blame at the foot of the board, its inability to uncover the hidden financial problems that resulted in the organization’s near collapse is a different kind of failure, one based in insufficient oversight rather than possible illegal activity. There’s a difference.

Discussions about the continued role of transit board members will likely continue, but Banks’ decision to investigate Rose’s actions is warranted. Public servants are afforded great trust, and when there is evidence that suggests the law was broken, the responsible course of action is to find out for sure.