The Butler Eagle's policy is not to print unsigned letters in its letters to the editor column.

It is the position of the newspaper that if a reader feels so strongly about an issue that he or she wants to write a letter, that person ought to have his or her name at the end of it.

Requiring that the writer's name appear with the letter also allows readers to feel comfortable that letters aren't being written by local newspeople to stir up controversy.

The newspaper verifies that the person whose name appears with a letter actually has written the letter.

Once in awhile, however, an unsigned letter or a letter with a partial name is received that merits sharing with readers in a non-letter format, simply because of its message. A letter postmarked April 5, titled "A word of reality," and signed just "Kerry, Butler Township" is one such letter.

The letter begins with the writer's obvious opposition to revising current plans regarding the new Wayne Street Viaduct, and to the county's second methadone clinic. Others in and around the City of Butler also are formulating opinions about those communitywide issues, but those two issues are not the point of this editorial. Instead, it's the closer-to-home, day-to-day issues that readers encounter continually in and around the city — issues that must not be shrugged off because of the message that they portray not only to residents but also to visitors, including potential business prospects.

Here is the way Kerry sees it. Referring to the bridge and "meth" clinic, the writer says:

"Instead of these 'brilliant' ideas, let's think common sense.

"I don't want to walk on a street full of garbage. I don't want to drive my vehicle on potholes. . . .

"I drive in the center of the road not to end up in a ditch due to deteriorating roads. No excuses on the bad weather. I've been up north. Their roads put us to shame.

"Repair the roads (every road in Butler). Fill the potholes (every road in Butler). Fix the sides of the roads so your vehicle doesn't fall off the road (mainly Morton Avenue).

"Mow the weeds that cover the sidewalks. Better yet, make the sidewalks usable so an elder or a stroller can go on with stride.

"Garbage, construction signs that aren't being used, signs you can't read (because) they are so faded — get rid of.

"When a road is torn up from construction, fix it (Hansen Avenue). When construction is done, finish it right the first time (Route 8).

"Yes, I am a Butler homeowner . . . clean things up. This broken town that Butler has become could be what it once was before — a growing community."

People might not agree with all aspects of Kerry's letter; they might be critical of Kerry's overall negative opinion of what the community has become. Indeed, there is a lot that is good about the community.

Nevertheless, there is a lot of truth contained in that letter that should be of communitywide concern, especially to elected officials and other community leaders who have the power to properly address the problems.

Not only Kerry has noticed these problems; others have discussed them also.

Kerry's comments are just a renewed wake-up call for something significant to be done — and spring is a great time for such a reminder.