The issue of standardizing fire hydrants in Buffalo Township isn't new and likely will remain "unfinished business" for some time. But at least officials are keeping attention focused on the issue, as evidenced by a township supervisors meeting earlier this month.

That's good news from the standpoint of firefighters, property owners and other residents.

The central point of the issue is that firefighters would save time if all fire hydrants had the same thread for hooking up hoses.

Because there are three different types of hydrants in use in the township, it takes longer to hook up hoses; firefighters first need to determine what type of adapter is needed for a hydrant.

While the township municipal authority is in the lengthy process of replacing older hydrants, until all hydrants are replaced, the need for adapters will remain.

The authority has bought adapters for some of the hydrants not matching the standard. However, that's not a cheap process; two adapters bought the other day cost $300 each.

Not counting hydrants installed in new developments, there were reported to be 164 hydrants in the township.

Every second counts in firefighting, and it is important that no unnecessary delays exist beyond the time it takes firefighters to rush to the scene. Until all hydrants in use have the same thread, the next-best thing is for non-conforming hydrants to have some identifying mark to let firefighters know immediately which adapter will be necessary.

The decision by Gov. Ed Rendell to pay approximately 24,000 "non-essential" state workers for the day they were furloughed due to the budget impasse was a nice gesture. Those workers have bills to pay and other financial responsibilities, and they didn't cause the budget fight.But the workers shouldn't be paid for time not worked and Rendell, and presumably at least some members of the General Assembly, shouldn't be so generous with the estimated $3.5 million of state taxpayers' money tied to the decision.Perhaps there is a way to help the workers without additional impact on the taxpayers, however. The money in question should be taken from the Governor's Office budget and from the multimillion-dollar reserve account held by the legislature.It's no great sin that the governor and some lawmakers want to be generous, but it is they who should feel the impact of that decision by way of their own accounts, not the taxpayers via the general fund.Meanwhile, it's puzzling why there hasn't been much of an outcry from "essential" workers who didn't get the day in question off. Could it be that there is a deal in the works for them also — like eight hours of time off whenever it might suit them without loss of pay?

This weekend, a rare and remarkable event occurred. Young people stood in lines all across America to buy and begin reading a book. It's not just any book, but the final installment of the wildly popular Harry Potter series.The seventh book in the series by author J.K. Rowling has been the subject of much speculation and anticipation. With its official arrival at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the fate of Harry and his closest companions, Ron and Hermione, will soon be known.Beyond the international intrigue over which, if any, of the main characters might die in the final book, there are millions of young (and not-so-young) people who will read every word of the 600-page book.Rowling's books already have sold 325 million worldwide and have been translated into more than 50 languages — which has made her one of the richest women in the world.But few would begrudge the author her fame and fortune. Who else has turned millions of pre-teen and teenage children into avid readers? Who else has created so much excitement with her books that they inspire special events at bookstores and libraries across the country? Who else has created a comparable literary and cultural phenomenon?Young readers, their families and booksellers will all lament the end of the Harry Potter saga. But this weekend's release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (despite the predicted and, perhaps inevitable, sadness) is a cause for celebration — of reading, imagination, creativity, and the power of love and friendship.