With last week's swearing-in of new Butler Mayor Maggie Stock and new city council members Mike Kelly and Kathy Kline, the city begins the new year in an appropriate atmosphere of change — and optimism.

Any portrait of Butler today is clearly mixed.

Those inclined to see the glass half-full point to several revitalization plans in various stages of development, renewed efforts on the part of Main Street merchants to invigorate business, and plans to leverage arts and cultural activities to bring people into the city.

Those inclined to see the glass half-empty point to a downtown retail sector still struggling to regain its former vitality, too many deteriorating streets, a city treasury teetering on the verge of bankruptcy due to a stagnant tax base — and steadily increasing costs of city management, particularly in the area of public safety.

But at last week's inaugural events, the crowd was dominated by those who see the glass half-full. Optimism was in the air as the new administration officially took over.

It should not be overlooked that optimism for the city was echoed by U.S. Rep. Phil English, who attended both the official ceremony and the following informal reception. English praised the efforts of former Mayor Leonard Pintell and said he believes there is positive momentum in Butler, and he wants to work with the new mayor to see that forward progress continue.

English's presence serves as a reminder that Butler will not reverse its fortunes without some outside assistance. The new mayor and city council must cultivate the relationship with English and other federal officials, just as efforts must be made to continue working with state officials in Harrisburg regarding downtown revitalization efforts.

The issues facing Butler present an organizational challenge for Stock and the new council. Among the strengths Stock brings to the mayor's office is her well-known association with various arts groups in Butler. And, while she'll clearly work with economic development and retail-oriented groups, the new mayor can be expected to find willing partners in the arts and cultural community interested in developing and promoting activities that will bring people into the city.

But as important as economic development and retail growth are, the city also must do a better job of controlling costs. A sober analysis of the city's operating budget cannot help but point to public safety expenses, primarily found in contracts with the city's police and fire departments. Negotiations currently are under way for new contracts, and all participants must understand the need for new agreements that represent more than tinkering around the edges. Creative thinking, cooperation and, also, sacrifice should be at the heart of ongoing discussions between city leaders and public safety officials.

Looking at what other towns and cities across the nation are doing could provide inspiration — or at least avoid having to "reinvent the wheel." Consideration should be given to a blended fire department, involving a core of paid, full-time professionals assisted by highly trained volunteers. Others have suggested it's time to re-examine and restructure the shifts and manning of the police department.

There also have been suggestions to adopt some cross-training of public safety personnel as a way to save money.

All of these issues are complex and likely to be contentious. But that cannot prevent serious examination. Continuing along the same path is not sustainable for much longer.

It is clear that Butler, like many communities in Western Pennsylvania, cannot continue to operate as it did decades ago. The city likely would be facing bankruptcy were it not for the new emergency and municipal services tax, which replaced the occupational-privilege tax.

Stock and the newly constituted city council are well aware of the challenges facing the city. And they all deserve credit and support for taking on their jobs.

So far, at least, they are expressing confidence in a brighter future for Butler and a belief they can help move the city in a positive direction. That enthusiasm and positive energy will be a valuable resource in the months and years to come as they grapple with the realities of moving the city forward.

— J.L.W.III