Here's all you need to know about the Allegheny County chief executive's proposal to let voters abolish the election of county sheriff.

"The only thing I can say is that what was going on [in the sheriff's office] went on there for the 36 years I've been here and I'm sure it went on for 100 years prior to me getting there. To be honest with you, I didn't think I did anything wrong."

Those were the frank words Monday of the last elected county sheriff, Pete DeFazio, the day before he pleaded guilty in federal court to macing -- the act of coercing an employee to give to a political candidate or party. If those two sentences don't make the case for converting the sheriff to an appointed post, nothing will.

In Pennsylvania, the sheriff's office is responsible for maintaining courthouse security, transporting prisoners and serving court documents. It's an office that requires dedicated employees because it must deliver important services. All of that argues for a professional at the helm, not a politico whose lieutenants shake down county workers for contributions to his re-election kitty.

An appointed sheriff needs no political contributions and his employees would serve without fear that their next promotion depends on how big a check they write to the boss's next campaign.

Three high-ranking officers who served Pete DeFazio have been convicted of breaking the law by mixing politics with public service. Now the former sheriff, who retired Oct. 31 (only a year after winning re-election), has admitted his guilt to a misdemeanor count of macing. That, unfortunately, is not one of the state charges that requires an official to forfeit his county pension, although the people's interest would be served if it were.

As it is, Mr. DeFazio and his minions are gone, purged by an investigation that for many citizens was less than satisfying, if only because those in subordinate positions got tougher punishment than the sheriff is likely to see. By accepting his plea last week, U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, whose office conducted the investigation, said the case is now closed, barring the receipt of new information.

What remains very open is the question of what to do about the politics that corrupted an office whose leader is elected even though he sets no public policy. After all, the public does not elect other law enforcement officers -- like the city police chief, the county police superintendent, the state police commissioner. These are all appointed professionals, and it is the mayor, the county executive and the governor who are held accountable for them.

That's how it should be with the Allegheny County sheriff. The post, the personnel and the duties of the office should be merged with the county police, as proposed by County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. He wants County Council to let voters make the change through a ballot measure in next May's primary.

Council should oblige Mr. Onorato. The voters, particularly after seeing the corruption from this episode paraded into federal court, should end, once and for all, the election of the sheriff. Only then will we say "case closed."