Public service is laudable, and being recognized by one's peers is a high honor.

Given that, a double cheer goes out to Zelienople Mayor Tom Oliverio, who was recognized by the Association of Mayors of Boroughs of Pennsylvania for his service. Oliverio was selected as mayor of the year by the association at its annual meeting in April. He will receive the award July 30 at a conference at the Seven Springs resort.

Serving as Zelienople mayor since 1990, Oliverio also spent 12 years as a member of borough council before becoming mayor.

Small communities, just like larger cities, need strong and committed leadership. Zelienople borough manager Don Peppe praised Oliverio as someone who always works for what's best for the community.

When he served as president of the Butler County Boroughs Association, Oliverio visited each borough in the county to talk with council members and mayors. His efforts with the association have been credited with increasing attendance at association meetings.

Oliverio has demonstrated by his actions the kind of dedication, energy, focus and hard work that is critical in helping smaller communities survive and thrive.

In addition to dedication, Oliverio revealed his humility, when, after learning of the award, he said, “There are a lot of good mayors in Pennsylvania, and there are better ones than me. I'm just overwhelmed by the honor.”

By all measures, it appears a well-deserved honor.

Actions speak louder than words. That cliche applies to all people, but is especially true when it comes to politicians.For that reason, it was disturbing — if not surprising — to learn last week that a little-known new fund in the federal budget is allowing members of Congress to direct funding to pet projects in their states or home districts.It sounds like earmark spending, but without the politically tainted label.A week ago, CNN reported that the defense bill passed by the House of Representatives contained a “back-door fund” that let members of Congress target funding for pet projects.A fund, called Mission Force Enhancement Transfer Fund, received about $1 billion that had been “quietly” transferred from President Barack Obama's defense budget.CNN reported that the special transfer fund did not exist last year, when earmarks were allowed. Now that earmarks have been banned in Congress, another route for spending targeted money has apparently been developed.About $600 million that has come out of the transfer fund has been directed to projects that appear to directly benefit one congressional district, according to CNN.Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., requested money for “future undersea capabilities development.” The fact that General Dynamics Electric Boat, a major supplier of submarines to the U.S. Navy, is located in Courtney's district does not appear coincidental.A congressman from Mississippi requested $19 million for “Navy ship preliminary design and feasibility studies.” A major employer in the congressman's district is Ingalls Shipbuilding, which just happens to supply surface ships to the U.S. Navy.Most observers of this spending note it is not illegal, but it does go against the spirit of the much-touted congressional ban on earmarks.By proclaiming that earmarks are now banned, Congress should follow the spirit of that law and bring all spending into the light of day and not hide it with a secretive special transfer fund.

Given all the uncertainties surrounding the hydrofracking process used to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation, it was encouraging to learn that the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett is recommending tougher drilling laws by expanding buffer zones between drilling activity and public water supplies.The rule-change suggestions were contained in a letter sent from the state Department of Environmental Protection to Lt. Gov. Jim Crawley, who is heading the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission set up by Corbett.Current law allows drilling within 100 feet of a water supply. The Corbett administration recommends expanding that to 1,000 feet. The DEP letter also recommends expanding the buffer zone between a gas well and a private drinking water well to 500 feet, from the current 200 feet.In addition to expanding the buffer zones, the administration is proposing that the DEP be allowed to require tracking of driller wastewater to allow the DEP to verify recycling rates.Drillers’ liabilities for pollution and loss of drinking water would be expanded to 2,500 feet from a gas well, from the current limit of 1,000 feet.With increased national, and even international, attention on fracking practices and the potential environmental impact of the controversial natural gas drilling practice, it makes sense to adopt a more cautionary approach and to expand buffer zones between drilling activities and sensitive sites such as water wells or public water supplies.Mandating comprehensive tracking of all fracking water is also a logical step because of the toxic chemicals contained in the mixture used to break apart layers of shale to release natural gas. The DEP must know where the fracking water is going in order to protect the environment and public safety.