Slowly but surely, the meetings of the Butler County Commission are transforming from a circus of out-of-turn outspokenness to organized, structured discussions.

The change began when Commission Daniel Robinson took the lead role as chair of the commission. His organization and leadership qualities are an asset and are essential in taking care of business that is necessary for the livelihood of Butler County.

The addition of Frank Hickman to the commission is also already making a considerable difference. His interest and his concern for the well-being of the citizens of Butler County lead him to asking the right questions at the right time.

Public participation is desperately needed to help the commissioners in making decisions as to what is important to the citizens of Butler County. Thursday night's meeting was a productive one, and was run in an organized manner. Commissioner Jesse McWilliams took the initiative of heading up the meeting in absence of Robinson, but followed the example set by the chairman in that the meeting ran smoothly and business was taken care of in an orderly fashion.

&uot;We need public participation,&uot; said McWilliams. &uot;We want public participation. But, most of all we want all of the commissioners to work together along with the public.&uot;

And McWilliams is right. Before the public can be expected to participate in the meetings, the commissioners must learn to put self-interests aside and concentrate on what is best for the whole county.

Best advice

keep the circus from entering the building.