It's understandable that the Butler Township commissioners would want to retain the services of a good police officer who plans to seek the Republican nomination for Butler County sheriff next year — if he is unsuccessful in his election bid.

But the attitude of the majority of the commissioners in regard to a provision in the state's First Class Township Code is eye-opening in the fact that nearly all the commissioners are openly willing to violate the code.

They're willing to ignore the code and allow the officer, Mike Slupe, a leave of absence; the code says a police officer must resign his or her position in order to run for office.

At a meeting on Dec. 15, Commissioners Joe Hasychak, Sam Zurzolo, Dave Zarnick and Joe Cavaliero all said that the law is wrong and that it should be changed as soon as possible by the Legislature. Commissioner Donna Druga voted against the leave because of what is stated in the township code.

The fact remains that the requirement to resign still is law — regardless of whether the law is right or wrong — and the commissioners should not be willing to ignore it.

As the situation stands, Slupe's leave will begin Jan. 1 and last until the May primary. If he fails to win the nomination, he is required to return to his job the next day.

Then there's the issue of a police officer being a willing party to a known violation of a law.

Hmmm.

The parking meter holiday approved by the Butler City Council and Butler Parking Authority is just what Santa ordered.The meter holiday will be in effect through Dec. 27, giving shoppers not only plenty of time for making gift selections at downtown stores in the days ahead but also giving shoppers time for exchanges and returns in instances where Santa might have erred regarding a size or preference.The free parking will be at street meters and in the authority's parking lots, including the tier garage. However, to ensure that downtown workers don't take advantage of the meter holiday, thus limiting parking space for shoppers, the two-hour parking limit on Main Street, as well as all other parking restrictions, will be enforced.Some people hesitate shopping downtown because of the attention that is needed regarding meters. The meter holiday virtually eliminates the issue.Downtown businesses pride themselves on good service and personal attention to shoppers' needs. In addition to going to the malls and shopping centers outside the city, shoppers should make the effort to see what the downtown has to offer.In many instances, they might be pleasantly surprised. And, circulating money through the Butler economy by shopping at local, non-chain stores is good for everyone involved.

There will be no coal in the Christmas stocking of the Cranberry Chamber of Commerce this year. The huge success of the Chamber's inaugural Angel Trees outreach program confirms that the Chamber effort did not lack dedication or commitment.No doubt this year's success will provide the incentive for an even more significant accomplishment next Christmas.Angel Trees is benefiting children and families served by Mars Home for Youth, the Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe) and Glade Run Lutheran Services. Toys were collected Nov. 1 through Dec. 12 at the Chamber office and at Monte Cello's restaurant, PNC Bank, Mars National Bank, First National Bank and Upper Cervical Health Center.People who chose to be program donors took an angel from the tree, bought the gift written on the back and then placed the unwrapped gift in a bag with the tag attached. The bag was returned to the location where the angel was obtained."We weren't sure what to expect with the state of the economy, and this being our first year for the Angel Trees," said Shari Corathers, Chamber administrative assistant."This is really great," she added, while praising the public's positive response to the program.This is another example of the generosity that exists in this county, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.No doubt Santa is proud.