Like officials in other Butler County communities, Callery Borough Council members over the years enacted ordinances that they deemed were in the town's best interests. And, as in practically all other communities, the laws were embraced by some of the people but scorned by others.

But while most communities passed ordinances and embarked on enforcing them, Callery officials in many instances passed ordinances and then forgot about them.

Just how much forgetfulness took place over the years became apparent after the borough council hired Sean Grams in April as the town's code enforcement and zoning officer.

He was amazed to find that ordinances enacted by the council went largely unenforced.

At least some of the people who are in violation of an ordinance or ordinances obviously aren't happy about Grams' focus on achieving compliance. Three residents attended last Monday's council meeting to ask questions and/or express their unhappiness about what Grams is trying to accomplish.

But those residents should rethink their opposition and appreciate what Grams and the council now are trying to achieve. The borough should not be allowed to be out of touch with orderly growth, development and progress, and every resident should acknowledge his or her role in making that happen.

Callery as a community should not be a hodgepodge. Taking a stance that there should not be laws governing the community will ensure its fate as a hodgepodge in which some people's peace of mind and comfort are infringed upon or jeopardized.

Having an attractive community is advantageous to the people living there, whether it be in the form of higher property values or attractiveness to potential new residents who could be assets to the town.

Although they are feared or opposed in many places, zoning laws are beneficial in the long run, if drawn up correctly and fairly — and properly enforced.

It probably was a shock to the approximately 10 residents who received letters during the summer telling them they were guilty of specific ordinance violations. These residents, who apparently were content with the non-enforcement days of the past, ignored the letters.

A second enforcement letter sent Sept. 7, which also included a deadline for compliance, produced a different response. Three of those who received letters attended the council meeting last Monday to ask questions or voice complaints about the new enforcement initiative.

The council, having taken the right step in hiring a person to oversee ordinance compliance, should not undermine his efforts.

People in most communities understand the importance of ordinances and enforcement. One of the most basic reasons is that the purpose of those laws is residents' well-being and, oftentimes, safety.

Callery is correct in beefing up enforcement.

Those laws that the borough government doesn't want to enforce should be repealed.

Apparently past officials had good intentions. However, they didn't have the backbone or persistence to follow through on their actions.

That's not the way government is supposed to operate.