Commissioner Jim Eckstein came under fire Wednesday for distributing fliers before last week’s Veterans Day parade in Butler.

Jeff Thompson, a member of the Disabled American Veterans, criticized Eckstein at the commissioners meeting for pushing a political agenda to people lined up to see the parade.

“Just because particular words, speech or actions are legal under the Constitution does not mean they are proper or in good taste,” Thompson said.

Eckstein’s fliers detailed a 2009 child abuse case, accusing county employees of rigging an investigation to ensure a criminal case ensued. The case ended in a mistrial.

Thompson said Eckstein’s behavior was disrespectful and offensive to veterans, living and dead.

“We are just asking that you stop using those events for your own political purposes,” he said.

Eckstein denied his actions were inappropriate or political. He said the late Abie Abraham, a veteran, condoned him passing out fliers in previous parades on such issues as keeping Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler.

“I’m going with Abie,” Eckstein said. “He gave me permission.”

Eckstein accused Thompson of being politically motivated.

Mental health court

Butler County is looking for a new revenue stream to start a mental health court.

The commissioners Wednesday approved an application to the Staunton Farms Foundation for a $125,000 grant.

According to court officials, the mental health court would be used to potentially divert up to 50 defendants who would qualify.

The specialty court would emphasize treatment over incarceration, Tom Holman, deputy court administrator, said during an unsuccessful attempt to get funding earlier this year through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

He said in an interview this week that the county would reapply to the commission for 2015 funding.