JUSTIN DUDZIK was back in Jefferson County court last week. It has become a familiar venue for the Adena resident.

Dudzik also happens to be the village mayor, at least for the time being.

His latest court appearance was for his third OVI offense. The case was resolved as Dudzik pleaded guilty to violating his probation.

The judge sentenced him to 60 days in jail, minus time already served. That is only part of the punishment.

Dudzik will also pay a fine of $850, have his driver’s license revoked for two years and must complete an alcohol treatment program.

That is tough but fair punishment when it comes to three OVI convictions.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there for the 23-year-old mayor.

Dudzik has been in jail since March 16 after being arrested on a fourth OVI charge, which is a mandatory felony. The case has been bound over to the Jefferson County grand jury.

The latest legal proceedings have further eroded Dudzik’s ability to lead his community. He will be incarcerated for several more weeks and will not be able to drive for two years.

That comes even before his fourth OVI case goes to court. A conviction there leads to more stringent penalties, likely extended jail time and possibly permanent revocation of his driver’s license.

Adena voters put Dudzik into office to provide leadership to the community. He has repeatedly dropped the ball in that regard.

Dudzik’s act has worn terribly thin as he sits behind bars. It is time for him to relinquish his mayoral position and allow Adena to move forward.