The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency continues to damage its image by refusing to make its spending records public.

Despite a hearing examiner's rejection of PHEAA's argument that the records are exempt from the state's Right-to-Know Law, the student loan agency issued a "final decision" Wednesday refusing records requests by the Associated Press, the Patriot-News newspaper of Harrisburg and a Pittsburgh television station.

In his role as hearing examiner, Warren Morgan, a retired Dauphin County judge, said, "PHEAA is engaged in a profitable business, the earnings from which provide significant benefits to the citizens of Pennsylvania. That, however, doesn't change the fact that it is a public corporation... and that its earnings are public money."

In issuing its "final decision," PHEAA continued to maintain that turning over the requested records would violate individuals' privacy rights and hamper the agency's ability to perform its mission.

PHEAA also continues to argue that the records are exempt because they relate directly to lawmakers' legislative activities.

PHEAA also says it fears disclosure would hurt it competitively.

"It's simply an excuse (by PHEAA) for not doing what the law requires them to do," said Dave Tomlin, assistant general counsel for the Associated Press.

No doubt many Pennsylvanians are wondering if PHEAA might have something embarrassing to hide.

Secrecy breeds suspicion. Pressure on PHEAA to make available the sought-after data should continue.

The Slippery Rock Borough Council was correct in delaying requirements regarding the community's updated sidewalk ordinance.At least part of the reason for delaying the effort was some council members' apparent confusion over deadlines tied to the ordinance.Elected officials should be clear about what they are enforcing before requiring others to comply.The ordinance has been a subject of contention recently because of the time and money requirements connected with upgrading existing sidewalks or installing new ones. The borough's current sidewalk ordinance, which is dated March 6, 2005, requires that all residents have a sidewalk in front of their residence, and that existing sidewalks be repaired, if necessary.The ordinance states homeowners have only a 60-day window of time from when they receive an official letter from the borough directing that sidewalk work be carried out. At a council meeting Tuesday, some residents expressed concern about their ability to pay the cost of having a sidewalk installed.In addition to ending their confusion about the sidewalk ordinance's deadlines, council members also promised to look into the availability of state and federal money to help ease the financial impact on homeowners. But that might be a remote, and lengthy, process.The situation involving the sidewalks indicates that communication between the council and residents hasn't been what it should have been since the latest version of sidewalk requirements became effective 15 months ago.Achieving better communication also should be on the agenda in the weeks and months ahead, if the sidewalk effort is to be successful.

The SEBCO Association deserves applause for its renovation of the SEBCOCommunity Pool in Laura Doerr Park on Hannahstown Road in Jefferson Township.The association conducted an energetic fundraising effort and was successful in acquiring a $150,000 federal grant, a $120,000 state grant, and county and township funds.The total cost of the renovation was $342,000. As part of the renovation, new water play structures were added, and the pool was made handicapped accessible.A second renovations phase planned for the future will include a water slide and modernized locker rooms.This weekend's activities include pool community day and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially begin use of the upgraded facility.People of Jefferson Township and nearby municipalities should take pride in this summertime gem and express appreciation to those whose hard work and persistence made the upgrade possible.Some communities might be envious about what the association, in cooperation with government officials, was able to accomplish.