Those who believe that it's less expensive and less difficult to save jobs than it is to create new ones appreciate the Butler County commissioners' decision to approve a loan guarantee for the ailing Boscov's store chain.

On Monday, the commissioners, by a 2-1 vote with Commissioner James Kennedy opposing, agreed to back one-sixth of a $35 million federal loan that Boscov's believes will enable it to overcome its current money problems and remain viable.

Boscov's local store is one of the anchors at the Clearview Mall.

While those favoring the commissioners' decision to support Boscov's got their wish, it is easy to understand those who opposed the move.

Opponents argued that providing the loan guarantee to Boscov's puts other retailers at a disadvantage.

At a Jan. 28 commissioners meeting, several small-business owners expressed the fear that they would be hurt by a decision to help the big retailer.

From one perspective, that might be true. But it also is important to acknowledge that healthy business activity helps other businesses. The fewer Butler area retailers there are to attract shoppers, the more likely shoppers will choose to shop in places with more opportunities, such as malls near Pittsburgh.

Small-business owners competing against the likes of Boscov's, in their efforts to remain profitable, must use their creativity and retail skills to entice shoppers to come into their stores, even with stores like Boscov's nearby.

Some small retailers are adept at doing that and thrive. Those that aren't have problems and struggle.

It can be said that Boscov's financial plight is a product of some of its own flawed decisions, which have been exacerbated by the nation's economic and banking crises.

One bad decision was opening too many new stores quickly, just as the nation was slipping toward the current deepening recession.

That said, it's also right to contemplate how badly Boscov's closing would impact the Clearview Mall, the local store's approximately 150 employees and their families, governmental entities that depend on tax revenues from the store, suppliers and others who have a stake in Boscov's continuing to do business.

Monday's decision wasn't an easy one for the commissioners, considering the validity of the competing opinions. To their credit, they gave the issue adequate time for debate over several meetings and didn't keep the taxpayers in the dark about what was being considered.

Most importantly, they took all available steps to guarantee that taxpayers' interests would be protected.

One provision in the agreement to which the commissioners gave their OK was that the county's general fund cannot be tapped in connection with the guarantee.

Meanwhile, the county received a written guarantee from Gov. Ed Rendell that the county's participation in the agreement would pose no risk to Community Development Block Grant funding.

"You and the citizens of Butler County can rest assured that you will enjoy the full and uninterrupted benefits of annual CDBG program funds in your county even if the loan proposed for Boscov's were to go into default," the governor said in a letter.

For Commissioner James Lokhaiser, the Boscov's issue posed a personal dilemma because his daughter works at the local store. But Lokhaiser, who said he hadn't made up his mind on which way to vote as late as Monday morning, gave the taxpayers reason to feel comfortable that he made his decision based on what was at stake for the community and county, not on family considerations.

The county verified the legal and ethical implications of Lokhaiser voting on the issue, and it was determined that in cases of a three-member governing board, Lokhaiser could second and vote on a Boscov's motion, despite his connection to the store.

As it turned out, Commissioner Chairman Dale Pinkerton made the motion and Kennedy seconded it, leaving Lokhaiser only with the decision on whether to cast a vote for or against the loan guarantee, if he chose to vote, rather than abstain.

Abstention would have been wrong for such an important decision.

As for Kennedy, it must be noted that, despite knowing the serious ramifications of a "no" vote, he remained true to his opposition to loans for private business. He can be lauded for remaining consistent with that position.

The county's task now is to watch closely how Boscov's financial situation shakes out. And, Boscov's owes the county the consideration of periodic reports on how its turnaround plan is moving forward.

For now, the 150 employees who depend on Boscov's employment can feel relief. They can remain in their current jobs, rather than trying to find new employment in this very difficult economic environment.

The commissioners' decision also means economic development efforts here can remain fully focused on potential new jobs and business entities, without the need for damage control stemming from a rejection of the Boscov's request.

All considered, the commissioners' majority vote fell on the most hopeful side of the decision.