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Allister Adel, the Maricopa County attorney, has been plagued by questions concerning her leadership and continued sobriety over the last months. Reports concerning absences from her office and neglect of her duties have surfaced, causing many to wonder if she and the county would be better served by a leave of absence. 

"She (Adel) has an ethical and fiduciary duty to discharge her duties to the best of her abilities," Pelissero said, adding that if her sobriety is affecting her job, "she should step aside and let someone else take over."

Alcohol abuse and other addictions are medical issues, and Adel shouldn't be punished for seeking treatment, Pelissero said. But she could consider taking a temporary leave of absence to get healthy.

"It's an important question about why she is not doing that," he said.

John Pelissero, senior scholar, quoted by the The Arizona Republic.