On Feb. 7, the Butler Eagle reported a shooting on West North Street. The two victims were from Youngstown and the police are looking for information to identify the shooter.

Almost weekly, our newspaper reports drug busts, robberies, shootings and/or murders within Butler County.

Along with the crime, we read articles boasting of all the “grant money” our county commissioners are receiving. I’d like the community to take a look at the purpose of much of the grant money. The county website to Butlercountypa.gov/269/grants.

Butler has become a community of “rehabs.” I am not opposed to “rehabs” and helping people. (A hand-up is different from a handout!) However, once an individual completes the program, the county provides every opportunity for these individuals to stay in our community instead of returning back to their home base.

Some of these nonresidents become productive in our county and should be welcomed here.

The problem comes in that statistically 40% to 60% of rehab patients relapse. When this happens, the community suffers. I feel, our local law enforcement, judicial system, school system, hospitals, and all the programs set in place to help Butler County residents are stretched beyond their limits.

I would like our county commissioners to take time to investigate other safe, thriving, small, American communities and the policies they have enacted to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their constituents. Our goal should be to institute those practices here immediately.

Debbie Oesterling, Center Township