Butler Downtown is justifiably proud for having been accredited for the second consecutive year under the National Main Street Program.

The accreditation acknowledges the local organization's initiatives under way on a number of fronts and its desire to build positive momentum.

The National Trust Main Street Center, which determines accreditation, helps communities revitalize their older, historic commercial districts.

Cathy Glasgow, Butler Downtown board president, said maintaining the national accreditation “demonstrates the continued hard work and dedication of our board and committee volunteers.”

With the national accreditation and a firm mind-set toward accomplishing its objectives, Butler Downtown should be an attractive option for individuals and businesses wanting to assist in improving the business district.

In addition to its national accreditation, Butler Downtown has been a Pennsylvania state-certified Main Street Program since 2007.

Center-city business districts have faced many challenges in the decades since the out-migration to suburban areas began. Downtown Butler hasn't been spared those challenges.

As Butler Downtown's work continues to expand, so should its achievements.

Possessing the national accreditation won't make its work easier, but that accredition validates its right and duty to be a guiding voice for creating a brighter future for the heart of the city.

Its leaders deserve praise for what Butler Downtown has been able to do up to now, despite whatever skepticism might have existed at the time of its formation.

Gov. Tom Corbett was wrong in calling state police “chauffer service” for a drunk driver with state connections a private matter.After her arrest on July 10 for alleged drunken driving, fleeing and eluding police and several traffic offenses, Georgina Zogby, wife of state Budget Secretary Charles Zogby, was driven home by a trooper assigned to the Governor's Mansion after she was processed at the Cumberland County Prison.After taking Georgina Zogby home, the trooper returned to his duties at the governor's residence.Corbett was in Pittsburgh at the time.Sgt. Anthony Manetta, a state police spokesman, said the trooper made a judgment call and acted on his own. Manetta said Zogby didn't get preferential treatment and pointed out that it was state police who arrested and charged her.Like Corbett, Manetta was wrong in downplaying what occurred.Getting a ride home from the trooper rather than from her husband or another family member or friend is<I> </I>special treatment. Meanwhile, something is never a private matter when a situation involves use of state resources or the spending of taxpayers' money.It is taxpayers' money that pays the trooper's salary for official responsibilities, and it is taxpayers' money that pays for the vehicle and fuel that were used in transporting Georgina Zogby.“If Tom Corbett were attorney general right now and this activity had taken place with House members or House staff, Demo-crats or Republicans, Corbett would've charged these people with theft of services, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking,” said Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Greene, the former House Speaker charged with theft in Corbett's public corruption investigation while Corbett was attorney general.DeWeese called the governor a hypocrite, based on his stance regarding the trooper's action.Whether that description is too strong is debatable, but Corbett was wrong nonetheless in pooh-poohing what occurred.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have enjoyed huge fan support this year as they strive to capture the National League Central Division crown.But the team’s show of support to the Miracle League Fantasy Camp on July 23 in Cranberry Township was evidence of the team’s commitment beyond the goal of winning games.The team understands the positive influence it can have on young people’s lives and put that understanding to work at the camp for 40 players representing Miracle Leagues in Cranberry, Upper St. Clair, Murrysville and Wheeling, W.Va.As noted in an article about the camp in the July 25 Butler Eagle, the Miracle League provides children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball.Conducting the camp, which was held at Graham Park, were Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, bench coach Jeff Banister and players Neil Walker, Joel Hanrahan, Paul Maholm, Michael McKenry, Chris Resop and Chris Snyder. The Miracle League players were divided into stations and worked with the Pirates players and coaches on hitting, throwing and catching skills.Bob Nutting, Pirates chief executive officer, said of his players:“They were kids once and they want to give back. They recognize the power of visibility they have as major league players.It was an experience that these young players never will forget. And these Pirates can rest assured that the youngsters with whom they worked will be among their most enthusiastic fans as the Bucs continue to battle for the Central Division championship.