It's good to hear that Rebecca Smith, Butler's newly hired Main Street manager, is learning her way around town.

Smith began work earlier this month, and spent most of her first week on the job gathering information and meeting people. Last week, Mayor Maggie Stock took Smith on a tour of the city and helped make introductions.

Next month, Smith will be in Harrisburg to go through the training program for new Main Street managers. While there she will learn about the organization and the reporting requirements involved in demonstrating progress to state officials.

To get up to speed on what is going on in town, Smith has been busy meeting key people and attending meetings, including city council and the Community Development Corporation of Butler County.

Once she has the lay of the land in terms of local development history and what projects are already under way, Smith will play a role as something of a liaison between various groups in the community. The Main Street program involves federal funding administered by the state, and the local programs are structured around four standing committees: organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.

Smith's arrival at this time looks fortunate The need for revitalization in downtown Butler has been apparent for years, if not decades. But still, Butler does have significant assets in place — and has a more vibrant atmosphere and appearance than many other towns of a similar size.

In recent months, there have been some positive developments with parts of the Centre City Project, notably plans for a Rite Aid super store on the corner of East Jefferson and North Main streets, as well as the construction of a two story building for a dental practice and laboratory on the site of the former Wishing Well store at the corner of South Main and East Cunningham streets.

Aspecial tax increment funding (TIF) district to support the project was approved by Butler City Council this summer. Butler County and the Butler School District must also approve the special taxing program to help fund development in the corridor. Once the TIF program is in place, the city's redevelopment authority will have additional enticements for developers.

Part of Smith's job also will be to put a positive face on Butler's Main Street district, as well as to promote progress and potential here. Elected officials in the city still need to provide the vision and governmental approval for action, but Smith and the Main Street committees should help get things moving — and keep them moving.

And, with the city being the county seat, elected officials with Butler County also should be expected to play a role in Butler's Main Street revitalization efforts.

The task of revitalizing Butler is not insignificant. This city, like many similar cities, faces challenges with suburban retail competition and static economic growth. But Butler does have many good things going for itself, and some exciting developments in various stages of planning or implementation.

This summer's unveiling of the refurbished Pullman Park baseball field provided a boost of confidence — and an example of what can be done when vision and solid planning are supported by optimistic and capable people.

Smith's enthusiasm and energy will be another asset to help Butler's revitalization efforts. But clearly, she cannot do it alone. Scores of volunteers will be necessary to help make Butler a better place to live and work.

Another essential ingredient to the success of downtown revitalization will be cooperative and energized business operators and building owners. Pride, optimism and success can be contagious, so a few pioneers can lead others to action. Some new entrepreneurial spirit is another important element needed to help spark renewal efforts in Butler.

But all those elements are here — or can be developed.

Smith should be welcomed warmly in her new role in Butler; and she should be offered encouragement and as many helping hands as possible.