Pennsylvania American Water Co.'s replacement of waterlines on West Diamond Street next to the courthouse and county Government Center last summer in response to line breaks should prevent problems in coming years. That's good.

But the water company's judgment in trying to make final repairs to the street at this time of the year is seriously flawed. The late start of the work, coupled with the early onset of winter weather, has kept a portion of Diamond Street leading to the Government Center entrance closed for weeks.

And, with plans to tear up and re-lay the bricks directly in front of the Government Center entrance after the current work is completed, that portion of Diamond could be closed for the rest of the winter, if there is not an extended thaw period.

An important street on which so much traffic travels daily should not be kept out of service for so long. Meanwhile, people are justified in wondering why the street isn't being repaired with a smooth asphalt surface, rather than by removing and re-laying the bricks that had been in place for more than half a century.

With asphalt, the street-repair job could have been done more quickly and efficiently, even if the historic-looking brick street would be lost.

Too many heaved, badly maintained brick streets remain in this city, and there's no guarantee that the replaced bricks on Diamond won't soon take on that same unflattering look — and less-than-comfortable ride.

If it didn't have time to authorize the Diamond Street repairs for late summer or early fall, Pennsylvania American should have delaying the brick replacement until spring. At least Diamond would not have been needlessly closed off for so many weeks, inconveniencing people trying to get to the courthouse or Government Center.

People coming to the Butler Eagle for various reasons also have expressed frustration with the inconvenience caused by the closed-off street.

President Barack Obama's executive orders requiring a freer sharing of information with the public and slowing the revolving door between government service and lobbying are orders with the potential to increase confidence in the way the federal government operates.What the Obama orders dictate is the kind of requirements that should be ingrained in all state governments as well. Pennsylvania has made similar moves, but more needs to be done.The new disclosure rule requires the federal government to err on the side of releasing information, not on the side of keeping records and documents secret.The president's opinion about the penchant for departing government workers to return quickly in lobbying roles must not go unnoticed."It's not about advantaging yourself. It's not about advancing your friends or your corporate clients. It's not about advancing an ideological agenda or the special interests of any organization," Obama said. "Public service is, simply and absolutely, about advancing the interests of Americans."Under the new rules, presidential appointees will not be permitted to lobby any federal agency as long as Obama remains in office.Both executive orders are a refreshing change from the past. Both orders are in the best interests of the people and the money they send to Washington by way of their taxes.

Visitors to the city in recent days might have wondered why neighborhood streets have been allowed to remain in such a deplorable, snow-packed condition.That's a good question.Too many residents of the city's neighborhoods refuse to shovel the snow from the parking spaces and sidewalks in front of their homes in a timely manner, before snow becomes packed down and more difficult to deal with.They merit a jeer for that lazy attitude — and, in some cases, for being oblivious to helping a neighbor who is not able to shovel snow because of age or health reasons.Why many parents are reluctant to direct their teenage sons and daughters to shovel in front of their properties or help a neighbor in need is another reasonable question.Meanwhile, the city government's efforts regarding accumulated snow and ice continue to be anemic. Butler needs restricted-parking rules that enable workers to regularly attack the accumulated snow in an efficient way.Granted, the city's Streets Department is working with a small staff. But more could be done more quickly and more efficiently after storms pass through the city and after the immediate slippery conditions are addressed.This is not a new problem; it has existed for many years.When it comes to removal of accumulations of snow and ice, city leaders don't look like leaders. And, many able-bodied residents aren't displaying community pride by their refusal to do their small part to help the city deal with winter's challenges.