George Washington cut down the cherry tree when he was a young fellow, so the legend goes, and when asked about it told his dad, “I cannot tell a lie. I cut down the cherry tree.” Whether that story relates an actual occurrence or not, the message is one we should all absorb and put into practice.

If we make a mistake, we should admit it, fix whatever problem we have and go forward with a solution.

In recent days and months we’ve had several situations locally where the story about George Washington would best suit our community.

The drainage project in the City of Georgetown includes “dewatering,” or pumping millions of gallons of water from below the surface. Multiple sinkholes formed, damaging roads, homes and other buildings. No one has admitted responsibility or agreed to make it right for those who suffered harm to their buildings because of the sinkholes.

Currently, the political landscape is scarred and marred over filing procedures for the upcoming June 12 primary.

In a recent ruling, the South Carolina Supreme Court said that state law is clear. Candidates for office must file a statement of economic interest and a statement of candidacy electronically — by computer — at the same time and with the same political party official.

Apparently, the Georgetown County Democratic Party did that.

When filing day came, county Republican Party chairman Jim Jerow met with candidates, accepted a filing fee and in most cases a written form. He told each candidate, get to a computer and file the other forms electronically.

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, that body told the political parties to submit information as to who was qualified and who was not.

Incumbents seeking reelection are exempt from some of the requirements.

Jerow’s list included at least four people who are seeking a local office, and those names have been certified as candidates even though they did not file their forms in Jerow’s presence.

Rod Stalvey and Tammie Avant were listed as disqualified.

When asked about the discrepancy, Jerow said a state Republican committee meeting held an executive session and they are not supposed to disclose what went on behind closed doors.

It seems to us that if none of the local political newcomers filed in Jerow’s presence, none should be certified.

Certainly, we encourage people to offer themselves for office, but the rules need to be followed.

If mistakes were made, they should be acknowledged. If people’s names ought not be on the ballot, they should be removed.

Listen to the message in the story about our first President.

If you mess up, ’fess up.

And do what’s right.