Although she represents only the southern part of Butler County, residents from throughout this county should pay attention to the court proceedings involving state Sen. Jane Orie.

The 40th District Republican went on trial Tuesday on political corruption charges stemming from her alleged use of state-paid workers for campaign-related tasks while on state time. She is facing three counts of theft of services, one count of criminal conspiracy, three counts of tampering with evidence and three counts of violating the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.

She continues to maintain her innocence, claiming that the charges are part of a vendetta by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.

Meanwhile, her attorney, William Costopoulos, has said that any criminal activity Orie might have been involved in was so minor that it is unworthy of prosecution.

County residents should follow the Orie trial proceedings. Harrisburg’s Bonusgate investigation, which still has prosecutions pending, as well as the case of former state Sen. Vincent Fumo, who used state funds and employees improperly and currently is in prison for those offenses, have revealed a pattern of unethical conduct in the Legislature.

Instead of working on behalf of the people of the state, some lawmakers have used their time in Harrisburg to focus on their own self-interests and political ambitions in ways that have tested — and sometimes exceeded — legal boundaries.

It is for the Orie trial to determine whether the senator committed any crimes. Whether guilty or innocent, Orie has embarrased the 40th District for conduct that had the potential for arousing suspicion and leading to charges.

The illegal campaign-related tasks Orie is accused of orchestrating, using members of her staff, were allegedly not only for her benefit but also for the benefit of one of her sisters, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, who has not been implicated in Jane Orie’s case.

The Orie trial is expected to last about three weeks, with the prosecution expected to call more than 15 current or former staff members who allege Orie forced them to stuff campaign envelopes, conduct campaign research, accept campaign telephone calls and scan campaign materials on office computers.

Among other allegations are that Orie, over nearly a decade, ordered employees to drive Melvin to campaign events and to take checks to Orie’s home.

It’s important for people here and across Pennsylvania to watch the Orie case and the remaining Bonusgate proceedings. The state’s voters need to understand the scope of the General Assembly “housecleaning” that might lie before them.

The General Asssembly must work strictly on behalf of state residents. In about a month, residents of the 40th Senatorial District and beyond should have a better understanding of whether Orie adhered to that basic obligation.

Regardless, her reputation and her record of legislative service have been tarnished by the charges and the case currently getting under way.