The legacy of political and social scientist James Q. Wilson, who died last week at age 80, is the focus of George Will’s column on this page.

Wilson was best known for his “broken windows” theory, suggesting that communities should address small problems like broken windows and petty crime before they lead to bigger problems. Wilson’s theory supported beefed-up police efforts in the 1980s in New York and other large cities that was credited with reducing crime and improving the quality of life.

Wilson’s view was that one broken window leads to others, and then broader decay, because it suggests no one cares. The broken windows approach to policing suggests cracking even minor crimes will help reduce overall crime.

Though it was applied in big cities, the broken windows theory also is relevant to communities like Butler.

Beyond broken windows, graffiti, vandalism and minor crimes, the broken windows theory can also apply to aesthetics and quality of life.

It’s easy to see, when driving around Butler or other smaller cities, that once started, signs of decay and neglect tend to spread. Evidence can be seen in overflowing trash cans on Main Street or litter piling up on sidewalks. Just like the broken windows or graffiti that linger, the suggestion is that no one cares.

Driving through parts of the city, the broken windows theory also can be seen in weeds growing through sidewalk cracks and unkept lawns. Once one or two properties display that kind of neglect, it makes it easier for other homeowners nearby to not bother taking care of their properties.

When most houses on a block are well-maintained, it suggests pride and puts some pressure on other homeowners to keep their places looking nice. But once peeling paint, junk in the yard or trash bags on the porch are seen — and are considered acceptable — it can spread, making it difficult to reverse the negative trend.

Outside the city, Wilson’s theory can be seen in litter along highways. For some people, roadside litter suggests no one cares and that it’s OK to toss trash from cars. On some rural roads in the county, past practices of dumping old tires, furniture and appliances is a part of rural blight. As with city blight, it suggests that no one cares and can lead to more illegal dumping.

City police and code enforcement efforts have a role to play in improving the quality of life. But average citizens can make a difference too, by keeping their properties in good condition. One house in bad shape or with junk and trash on the porch can lead to more of the same.

Evidence of the broken windows theory is more visible in Butler than it was several decades ago, when the local economy supported more middle-class households. Supporting efforts to stop the broken windows downward spiral is important. There also are ways to encourage what could be called a “fixed windows” theory — reinforcing positive changes in the community.

When one homeowner repaints his house or improves the landscaping in her front yard, it can inspire others to do something similar. Flowers in pots or a perennial bed by the front porch make a statement that someone cares and takes pride in their home and community. And that message can spread, in much the same way that neglect and blight can spread.

The fixed windows theory can be found in the flower baskets and landscaping near Butler’s two major bridges managed by the Butler Shade Tree Commission. It can also be found in a homeowner putting on a fresh coat of paint or a Main Street merchant investing in a storefront facade update. It’s encouraging to see this sort of work happening on Main Street in recent months.

Whether it’s used to stop — or even reverse — community decline or to encourage improvements to houses, storefronts or landscapes, it’s easier to have pride and to care when there is evidence that others care too.

Wilson’s broken windows theory should be a part of community revitalization efforts here and elsewhere.