The American people had the right to know that President George W. Bush required treatment for Lyme disease — about the time that treatment occurred rather than a year later.

However, the White House confirmed the medical problem on Aug. 8 only when it made public all the results of the president's latest physical examination. The Lyme disease diagnosis showed up in the "past medical history" section of Bush's latest physical exam report and in a summary of skin conditions.

Lyme disease, a tick-borne infection, can cause arthritis and other problems, if left untreated.

Fortunately, Bush's bout with the bacterial disease was detected early, when antibiotic treatment is most effective. The disease can become complicated to treat if it isn't detected early.

White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said Bush's treatment was not disclosed earlier because it happened after his last physical, on Aug. 1, 2006.

That isn't an acceptable excuse for the American people, who have a right to know when their leader is being treated for something other than a cold or other common minor ailment.

Now that the new Butler County Council of Governments has gotten off to a positive start with representatives of more than 10 municipalities participating in the initial meeting, it's important that other county municipalities evaluate the benefits they might be able to derive through membership.As was pointed out during the initial meeting, the council's intent is to be much more than just a vehicle for soliciting bulk bids.As Scot Fodi, Middlesex Township manager, pointed out, the COG will be an asset in terms of sharing ideas. That could translate into some municipalities avoiding problems that they might not now contemplate.During the session, it also was noted that the COG could be valuable in terms of regional planning and zoning efforts, collective training and shared equipment agreements.As the COG's efforts get off the ground and expand, many more possibilities are likely to surface.The council plans to meet in September. At that time, bylaws are to be considered, and the plan also is to elect officers.Establishment of the COG is a positive development on the municipal front, and Butler and all county boroughs and townships should be an active part of it.

The state Department of Transportation's placement of mile markers every two-tenths of a mile along Interstates 79 and 80 in Butler, Clarion and Jefferson counties will be of great benefit to motorists who experience problems, or who are involved in accidents, on those stretches of highway.Joseph Dubovi, PennDOT District 10 executive, said in a news release that "when reporting emergencies, motorists need only reference the nearest mile marker." A map showing placement of the markers has been given to emergency personnel who respond to calls on those highway sections.Use of mile markers as a reference point will enable emergency responders to get to a scene much more quickly."The benefit of these devices to help emergency responders accurately locate highway accidents cannot be overstated," Dubovi said.In some cases, the quick access to the precise location of a crash could result in the saving of lives.People traveling those routes should take notice of the markers, in case someday they might have to use them in the process of summoning help.