Butler County residents who were introduced to Beverly Matthews, the new executive director of the Butler County Humane Society, by way of an article in Sunday's Butler Eagle are no doubt optimistic about what the future holds for the animal agency.

After some troubled times in recent years, it appears that the agency is in capable hands with Matthews in charge.

Matthews, former director of volunteer and foster services for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, has plenty of good ideas, probably the best of which is to develop bigger, better relationships between the humane society and the community it serves.

For several years leading up to the summer of 2004, the society had a sometimes-rocky relationship with the community, including a worsening image caused by several high-profile stories, despite its inherent good intentions.

"If there are issues and problems, we need the community to help with the solutions," she said during an interview.

Between mid-2004 and Matthews' coming on board at the local agency on March 1, the humane society was operated by consultants who reversed most of the problems, including a financial crisis, that had threatened the very existence of the society.

During the interview, Matthews was quick to acknowledge the dedication of the society's 11-person full-time staff, the foundation upon which the new executive director will build her leadership tenure here.

Among the things about which county residents should be optimistic are Matthews' energetic goal of doubling the society's corps of volunteers, which currently is 100 people strong. She hopes to accomplish that over the next two years.

Another goal that hopefully will be successful is Matthews' intention to expand the agency's animal fostering program, which already is doing a good job. That she intends to try to make it better is indicative of her desire to improve all aspects of the agency — not be content with the status quo on any front.

It was encouraging to read Matthews' comment that "I don't want a repeat of any problems that may have happened in the past. We need to set aside the past and look at this as a whole new opportunity."

An agency of the humane society's importance should not be swirling in controversy, like it was for years. That is not to imply that the agency should in any way shy away from its responsibilities, even if, at times, performing its duties requires difficult or unpopular decisions.

Matthews said she hopes the community "will look at me and this organization with new eyes."

The community should give her the support and cooperation she will need to put the agency's resources to work in the most effective and compassionate way.