By all appearances, Gov. Linda Lingle and former state Rep. Galen Fox handled the matter of Fox's conviction on misdemeanor sex charges in a responsible way.

Some say Lingle should have said something or demanded Fox's resignation when she first heard of his arrest almost a year ago. But Fox was insisting, as he does to this day, that he had done nothing wrong and was fighting the charge in court.

In that context and at that point, it would have been inappropriate for Lingle to demand that he disclose his problems and step down. After his conviction, however, Lingle was right to suggest Fox resign — advice Fox responsibly accepted.

The key task ahead is to find a replacement that will serve his former district well. That includes avoiding the kind of controversy that surrounded the appointment of Bev Harbin to another recent vacancy. Harbin, a recent convert to the Democratic Party and the district, turned out to have state tax problems and a history of other legal problems.

What's needed now is a quick and responsible appointment to fill out the remainder of Fox's term. That should be someone who knows the district, can serve it well and whose record leaves no room for questions or embarrassment.