Centre County may not realize what it has until it's gone.

Currently, District Attorney Ray Gricar works well beyond the 20 hours per week for which he is paid -- but that may change if the position is not reclassified as a full-time job.

Centre County deserves a full-time district attorney and Gricar deserves his raise.

Last week County Commissioners Keith Bierly, Vicki Bumbarger Wedler and Denny Sciabica unanimously agreed to have the county solicitor draft an ordinance that would reclassify the position as full-time beginning July 1. They will vote on the measure next month.

If approved, Gricar's annual salary will nearly double to $79,000, during the middle of his four-year term. A competetive salary will help draw exceptionally qualified candidates to the position.

Since he took office in 1986 Gricar has received a part-time salary of $40,000 and worked up to 55 hours each week to do his job adequately.

Gricar has said he will seek work in the private sector if the board denies the request again.

Not only would taking outside work limit the amount of time Gricar could devote to Centre County, it could also cause conflicts of interest.

Approving the ordinance would end more than five years of debate over the position.

The old board composed of Bumbarger Wedler, Bierly and former commission Chairman John T. Saylor considered the issue six times. Each time a salary increase was denied.

There is nothing wrong with paying for a good prosecutor and taxpayers should expect nothing less.

According to Gricar, a public servant should be devoted to the people full-time. He has demonstrated a commitment to do so and it is time for the county commissioners to recognize his dedication by approving the ordinance.

Criminals do not work part-time, neither should the district attorney.