While some Butler Township residents might feel that their township manager should live in the municipality — a reasonable opinion — getting the right person for the job should be the bigger objective.

Thus, the township commissioners didn't err in deciding to drop the residency requirement for the person who eventually is named to succeed Jerry Patterson, whose retirement is effective in March.

Patterson, the township's first and only manager, has held the position for nearly 25 years.

The deadline for receiving applications for the manager's position has passed; about 20 applications were received.

But of those candidates for the job, the township anticipated some would bow out from consideration if a move to the township were required.

While some township taxpayers might feel the manager should live under the conditions, regulations and tax structure of the municipality, some others might feel the new manager would be better able to make objective decisions if not influenced at all by residency.

Neither of those opinions is wrong.

The township commissioners will have to answer for this decision, as well as any others they make, so until they're proven wrong, township residents must assume that their elected representatives have acted in their best interests.

"By eliminating the requirement, more of those candidates qualify for the job and we just want the best person we can get," said Commissioner Joseph Hasychak.

Unlike in some municipalities, no other Butler Township position has a residency requirement, although township police officers must live within 15 miles of the township.

In seeking applicants to become Patterson's successor, Butler Township specified that the successful candidate will have at least five years of municipal management experience and a business-related background with an emphasis on financial experience.

Those requirements should enable the township to land a capable replacement.

If the successful candidate decides to move to the township now or in the future, fine. But missing out on the best candidate due to a residency rule would be a mistake.