Although details are yet to be worked out, it was encouraging to learn Monday that $600,000 has been pledged to help revitalization of Butler’s downtown business district.

The new effort, called the Neighborhood Partnership program, will be managed by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF). Funding will come from pledges by Armstrong Group, the cable and communications company, and Huntington Bank, which have both agreed to contribute $50,000 a year for six years.

The partnership is expected to promote downtown living and also to help make the business district feel safe and welcoming.

The $600,000 program to support revitalization efforts in downtown Butler comes as some encouraging development is already taking shape on Main Street with new apartments and retail space as well as plans for a craft beer taproom in the former drugstore building on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets.

The ongoing renovation of the former Farmers National Bank building has generated optimism for downtown as demand for newly completed apartments is strong and a new cafe is set to open in the street-level space.

The Neighborhood Partnership program will reportedly be reaching out for community input through an advisory committee. The combination of local people and the experience that the PHLF representatives bring should produce the best results for Butler.

With two Butler companies launching the effort with $600,000 over six years, it’s possible that more businesses or individuals will step forward to contribute toward Butler’s revitalization effort — especially as the Partnership takes shape and shows results.

The vote of confidence in Butler by Armstrong, Huntington Bank and the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is encouraging and is coming at a critical time, when some positive changes are already in the works after a decade or more of slow decline. This new partnership program can help create the environment for more good things to happen in downtown Butler.

Jeer

Pennsylvania government’s reputation was dealt another embarrassing blow Thursday when federal authorities charged former Senate Democratic leader Robert Mellow with corruption.

Mellow, who, according to a Pittsburgh newspaper, plans to plead guilty, is accused of using public resources for campaigns, including using state Senate staff to work on his campaigns.

U.S. Attorney Peter Smith said, “This activity occurred over a period of years. It was substantial.”

As a political science professor at Muhlenberg College in Allentown noted, the charges against Mellow are part of a dark chapter in Pennsylvania history. Mellow became the seventh legislative leader in four years to face corruption charges.

Meanwhile, the allegations against the former 39-year legislator, who stepped down in February 2010, are similar to charges that the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office filed against 25 former staffers and legislators accused of using public resources for campaigns. Of those, 21 have pleaded guilty or been convicted, two were acquitted and one case was dismissed.

Another person is awaiting trial in May.

It was unclear initially whether Mellow, 70, who has undisclosed health problems, would lose his $138,959-a-year state pension. But once his guilty plea is official, he should in fact lose the pension.

People who violate the public trust and misuse public resources should not be allowed to continue benefiting from taxpayers’ resources.

Mellow has been described as an “icon” in the Scranton area, but for the rest of the state he is but another entry in the ranks of government criminals who once considered themselves above the law.

Cheer

The Seneca Valley School District merits a thumbs-up from district residents for establishing a private, tax-exempt foundation to raise money to help ease some burden from local taxpayers.

Money collected will be used for capital projects, classroom programs and student scholarships. Initially, the expectations are for $100,000 a year, although the district will be grateful for any money raised. The more money that can be collected, the more that can be accomplished.

The Cranberry Township Noon Rotary Club merits praise for being the first to step forward with a significant commitment to the foundation. The club plans to contribute $5,000 per year for the next three years and hasn’t ruled out donations beyond that time frame.

In hopes of providing a big initial boost to its start-up, the foundation will hold a kickoff fundraising event with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 13 at Heinz Hall. A reception will follow the performance. Tickets will cost $30, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the foundation.

According to Seneca Valley officials, the new partnership with the symphony orchestra also will benefit district students through programs and interaction with the professional musicians.

The foundation is a win-win endeavor for the district. It has the potential for being a meaningful steppingstone to many achievements.