With former state Rep. Ron Sailor facing 20 years in prison for money laundering, Lithonia and Conyers residents will vote in a special election May 13 to fill his House seat.

Several strong candidates have stepped forward to serve the remaining six months of Sailor's House District 93 term, all of whom are also planning to run for a full two-year term in the July primary. The best choice is Dee Dawkins-Haigler, a Lithonia resident whose credentials range from PTA president to soccer coach to political consultant.

Dawkins-Haigler understands the responsibilities of the General Assembly. While other candidates at last week's community forum focused on issues more relevant to a school board than the General Assembly, Dawkins-Haigler listed several bills awaiting the governor's signature that she deems dangerous to her community. Her list included House Bill 89, which would allow concealed weapons permit holders to bring guns on MARTA and into restaurants that serve alcohol, and House Bill 881, which allows charter schools to open over the objections of local boards of education. Her legislative focus would be Georgia's weak foreclosure laws.

Early voting begins today. This election deserves the close attention of DeKalb and Rockdale voters, who have essentially had no representation in the eight years that Sailor was their representative.

—- Maureen Downey, for the editorial board (mdowney@ajc.com)