Most city residents welcomed the news that the city plans to get tougher with nuisance properties.

The cheer in last weekend's Butler Eagle commending the initiative was deserved, even though it could be asked why the city hasn't always been tougher on blighted structures.

But if the city wants to take a tough stand against non-city-owned properties, it ought to be committed to proper maintenance of properties and facilities under its control.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case with the Main Street section of sidewalk that fronts the city parking lot on the site of the former Woolworth's building. Parts of the sidewalk on Main Street is and has been in a crumbling state of repair, and there hasn't even been a sign warning pedestrians to be careful.

City officials need to schedule walking tours of the city and take notes about the things that need to be done. The sections of sidewalk in question are in the heart of the business district — so they're easily noticeable.

Someone should have noticed them and, most importantly, begun steps to correct the situation many weeks ago.

Some members of the Mars Area Parks and Recreation Committee no doubt believe that the Adams Township supervisors merit a jeer for their opposition to formation of an official regional parks and recreation commission.They are entitled to that opinion.However, the supervisors were elected first to represent the best interests of the people of their township. If it is their belief that something is not right for their residents, it would be irresponsible for them to agree to something simply because others support it.The Adams officials who attended a meeting of the study and planning committee to express their opinions about the proposed regional body said their opposition is rooted in the reluctance to add another layer of government. They also said they opposed the five-year duration of the proposed contract tied to the commission's formation.Obviously, they fear becoming locked into a situation under which they would not have enough control.It is the township's right to have such reservations.As proposed, the recreation commission would serve the school district as well as the four municipalities that the school system comprises."If the commission doesn't go away, Adams does," said Adams Supervisor Tom Franceschina. "Let's just end (that) discussion."The Adams opposition prompted a directive that a contract be written that does not include creation of a commission and does not include a five-year commitment.Obviously, there is considerable unhappiness within the committee membership about the turn of events, but Adams has a right to do what it believes it must do.Township residents should appreciate that their elected officials have the courage to not follow the pack on an issue with which they envision problems.

Some call the months leading up to an election the "silly season." That description fits, in light of the behavior of Dan Onorato, Democratic candidate for governor, in his reaction to a statement made three weeks ago by Tom Corbett, his GOP rival.Explaining part of his opposition to another extension of federal unemployment benefits, Corbett said that he had talked with some employers who were having trouble hiring workers because some people were saying that they would not be seriously looking for work until their benefits ran out.Clearly, the vast majority of unemployed are not in that position. But, just as clearly, a few are.Not surprisingly, Onorato's campaign pounced on the statement, made at a July 9 campaign stop. But it's been three weeks and Onorato still is beating the same drum.Does he not have something else to talk about? Does Onorato believe this is what voters care about?What about his plans to create new jobs or his view of the state's competitiveness when it comes to taxes? Or maybe voters might like to hear Onorato's ideas for changing the culture in Harrisburg, to end corruption and to make lawmakers more accountable to voters?How about some thoughts on a constitutional convention or his views on reducing the size of the Legislature?Maybe Onorato — or Corbett — could talk about what could be done to revitalize this state's once-strong manufacturing sector. Voters might like to hear their views on funding for the state's transportation infrastructure.Instead, Onorato for weeks ran campaign ads rehashing the Corbett comment. Onorato had ads on the New York Times' website and those of other major newspapers saying Corbett "doesn't get it" and urging people to sign a petition on a new website called "cluelesstom.com."Cute, but it's time to move on.Corbett twice apologized for the comment. His spokesman said he "didn't speak as clearly as he could have."But Corbett has not been putting new ideas out there either, about creating jobs, the state's tax climate or competitiveness. He's been fairly quiet since the Onorato offensive was launched.Is this the best he — or they — the two men competing to be Pennsylvania's next governor — can offer voters?If so, it's sad — and also discouraging for the state's future.