Residents of Connoquenessing Township deserve a thorough, official explanation of what is happening within their municipal government. It is obvious, based on an artticle in the Dec. 17 edition of the Butler Eagle, that orderly conduct of business and a stable leadership structure have been replaced by personality conflicts, power plays, and, perhaps, questionable decisions.

Those township residents who haven't been paying attention to what's been happening regarding the board of supervisors and other components of their government need to start paying attention. Attendance at meetings is one way to discourage such a breakdown.

Municipal government is the closest government to the people, and the ordinances and other decisions stemming from it more directly affect the citizenry than many actions taken on other government levels.

The Dec. 17 article reported that supervisor Chairwoman Evelyn Hockenberry is at the center of disputes currently dogging the township government. "Any issues we have here emanate from her," said Supervisor Stephen Misko.

Unfortunately, Hockenberry has not been open to explaining her side of what has been happening. Repeated attempts by the Butler Eagle to contact her for her version of the goings-on have been unsuccessful.

But one fact is clear: There are a number of vacancies in township positions that should not exist, ranging from two positions on the planning commission to township engineer, solicitor, secretary and treasurer.

With so many open positions, it's puzzling how the township is able to function with any sense of normalcy.

One move by Hockenberry that should be judged as eye-opening and troubling was her decision to assume the roles of township treasurer and secretary earlier this year without getting the board of supervisors' approval. An official hiring or appointment should be in place before anyone conducts official business on a municipality's behalf.

Meanwhile, Hockenberry drew up the 2009 preliminary township budget without input from the other supervisors and, apparently, without official authorization to do so. The budget was voted down Dec. 3.

The resignation of former treasurer Joetta Edmonds is indicative of the friction in the government. Edmonds listed a deteriorating relationship with Hockenberry as her reason for stepping down.

Meanwhile, Misko's "any issues . . . emanate from her" comment is evidence of the extent of unhappiness that Hockenberry allegedly has generated.

Connoquenessing Township is in one of the county's growth corridors. It is important that its progress not be impeded by conflict.

Laying the facts on the table is the first step toward resolving the mess. Township residents should ensure that that happens.