Butler Township has been fortunate to have had stability in its police department for the past 26 years. In Chief Gary Garman, the department has had a leader with the training and vision to meet the challenges that have come with the municipality’s growth and development.

As important, Garman, who will retire Tuesday, has been able to maintain a solid relationship over the years with the township’s elected leaders, an important component of department stability and ensuring sufficient manpower.

During Garman’s tenure, the department has grown to 21 full-time officers. He is credited with forming his department’s first investigative unit.

Beyond his important township role, Garman has applied his police expertise as an active member of the Butler County Drug Task Force and has taught police administration and introduction to criminal justice classes as an adjunct professor at Community College of Al- legheny County.

His work as a drug task force member attests to his skill at working cooperatively with officers of other departments.

“Chief Garman played an integral role in the evolution of the police department, developing procedures and processes to provide quality protection for the residents and taxpayers of Butler Township,” said township Manager Ed Kirkwood.

Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe, who worked as a Butler Township police officer prior to being elected sheriff, said Friday that he learned from Garman many leadership skills that he tries to apply to his current job.

Going forward, the township will need strong leadership like Garman has provided, acknowledging the reality that police officers’ jobs are destined to become increasingly difficult.

Township residents and all other entities in the municipality should be appreciative of Garman’s efforts on their behalf. The township is safer because of what he has accomplished.

Jeer The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is wrong in not requiring commissioners to submit itemized receipts for expenses.One of the first changes of 2013 should be to change that policy.Unless evidence to the contrary were to surface, it can’t be alleged that there’s been wrongdoing on the commissioners’ part regarding their expenses. But even the commissioners themselves should acknowledge the public relations value of greater transparency in spending.Amid the total turnpike budget, the expense money in question is not a huge amount. However, the $539,000 spent from the start of 2007 through August 2011 — the scope of an audit conducted by the state auditor general’s office — is clearly more than pocket change.In fact, the total figure translates to $2,000 per month for each part-time commissioner. The costs included $406,000 for vehicles, $46,000 for lodging, $30,000 for fuel and $15,000 for meals.Meanwhile, the turnpike provided $18,000 in catered meals for the 101 board meetings held during the audit period.The commission should be monitoring all spending closely, especially amid an era of constantly rising tolls. Expenses of the commissioners should be part of a focus for the beefed-up scrutiny of commission operations.

CheerThe Slippery Rock Lions Club experienced numerous accomplishments and its share of tough times during its first 50 years of existence.But the club, now looking forward to the next 50 years, has managed to continue its various missions, including helping needy people with sight or hearing problems and working on a number of community projects, usually in conjunction with other groups.There were times over the years when declining membership threatened to doom the club. But those who remained dedicated to it and, beyond that, Lions Clubs International, were the glue that helped the local club weather the challenges and remain a valuable community entity.People are increasingly busy, and it’s likely that the club hasn’t witnessed its last membership challenge. But the optimism that it tries to exude should be an incentive for more men and women to embrace its goals and efforts.Information is available by calling 724-738-2777.The club is a great way for people to make a positive impact on needy individuals and the local community.