For many years, Jack van Haaster was the face of Murrieta. Elected to the City Council two years after the city formed, he served in that leadership role for a dozen years. His was one of the most recognizable faces in the city in that span, and with his unflappable leadership style and business acumen helped guide Murrieta through some rough early years.

Like most politicians, he made enemies during that time, and there were always those -- including some whom he shared the dais with -- who fought the policies he championed. But Murrieta is what it is today -- both good and bad -- in large part because of his leadership.

In the end, however, it was another frequent attribute of politicians -- hubris -- that led to his downfall. Friday morning in a Riverside courtroom, van Haaster pleaded guilty to two of 15 criminal counts against him that arose from his improper involvement in his daughter's proposed day-care center, the same issue that led to his being recalled 2 1/2 years ago.

In a plea-bargain, the other 13 counts -- primarily variations and duplications of the two he admitted to -- were dropped, and van Haaster will serve no jail time. The agreement means that Murrieta can put this sad chapter in its history behind it.

Some will think he got off easy, not having to serve any jail time. But van Haaster was a man who prided himself on his public service, on his community involvement. He has paid a steep price in that his reputation and his legacy have been forever tarnished.