Residents of Beaver County are the winners in learning now about the legal troubles facing Democratic state Rep. Sean Ramaley, who withdrew from the race to succeed retiring state Sen. Gerald LaValle.

Ramaley's lawyer, Philip Ignelzi, was wrong in saying that state Attorney General Tom Corbett should have delayed the charges against Ramaley until after the Nov. 4 election.

Predictably, Ignelzi labeled the charges "politically motivated," since Corbett is a Republican and Ramaley, a Democrat. But it would be a disservice to the citizens of the district to keep secret the fact that Ramaley is facing serious legal problems related to the Bonusgate scandal in Harrisburg.

The voters have a right to know when the person they are considering for office could be significantly distracted if he is elected. And, the odds of Ramaley being elected were significant, since Democrats outnumber GOP voters in the now-LaValle district by 83,000 to 40,000.

Ramaley did not have to leave the race. It was his decision.

He made the decision despite proclaiming his innocence at the news conference at which he announced his withdrawal from the Senate contest. He could have allowed the voters to judge the merits of his candidacy, despite the charges that he held a "no-work" job in 2004 in the office of former House Minority Whip Mike Veon, also of Beaver County. In that office, he allegedly used office resources — taxpayer-financed resources — to run for the state House position he now holds.

Ramaley's situation is another sad chapter in Harrisburg's era of shame. Ignelzi exhibited his lack of regard for voters in Ramaley's district in expounding his preposterous secrecy suggestion.

The voters of that district now know, and that's what's right.

Pennsylvania is correct in reversing a regulation that had applied the state's Consumer Discount Company Act only to businesses with facilities or employees located in the state.Under the change, Internet and out-of-state companies that market payday loans to state residents will need to be licensed by Feb. 1, 2009, or face fines and other penalties.The new law protects state residents by outlining how much in interest and fees nonbank businesses can impose for non-mortgage loans of up to $25,000."This new approach addresses the rising prevalence of Internet-based lending activity, especially Internet payday lending, which has left Pennsylvania consumers vulnerable to practices that our laws were intended to prohibit," said Steve Kaplan, state banking secretary.This is an instance when the hand of Pennsylvania government is reaching in the right direction.

United Way of Butler County is taking a positive step in replacing its Day of Caring with two Weeks of Caring.Not only is the local human services umbrella agency getting in step with a trend that is building across the country, but it is a proactive statement on the agency's desire to be as effective and visible as possible, not only at fundraising campaign time but throughout the year.What is accomplished in the Weeks of Caring will provide lasting, easy-to-see evidence of United Way's strong, positive commitment to the community — as well as that of the companies that will supply employees to work on projects.Kathleen Treme, United Way labor liaison, said some local companies that had given employees the day off to work on past Day of Caring projects have indicated a desire to have more "ownership" of the projects."They want projects that they can point to and say, 'We did that,' " Treme said.The Weeks of Caring are scheduled for Sept. 8 through 13 and Sept. 15 through 19. Companies will have flexibility in terms of when and how much manpower they supply.Treme said it is hoped such flexibility will help attract more volunteers than what Day of Caring was able to attract when the emphasis was on one-day tasks such as landscaping, cleaning and painting.United Way won't have very long to wait to learn the level of volunteer and company interest. Those wishing to volunteer already are being asked to get in touch with Treme by e-mail at kathleen.unitedway@zoominternet.net or by calling 724-285-2260.The Weeks of Caring will provide the opportunity to accomplish much that United Way, the companies that make employees available, and the recipients of the effort take pride in and enjoy a sense of satisfaction.