We have lauded the Corbett administration in this space many times in the past 18 months for sound decision making.
So we're a little bit miffed over the administration's stubborn refusal to return the state police aviation unit to the Williamsport Regional Airport.
The aviation unit's services were transferred to Hazleton inexplicably at the beginning of the year.
Local lawmakers and others have been fighting ever since to get the aviation unit returned to the airport in Montoursville.
Unlike a lot of lobbying that goes on in Harrisburg, there was logic behind this argument. The aviation unit at the airport had a long history of documented performance. It was used for crime surveillance, missing persons searches, drug enforcement, traffic safety, medical and other emergency needs and other services not available on the ground.
The unit's location in a rural valley and mountainous area made it a particularly valuable asset and its frequency of usage shows its worth.
Despite a hearing held here three weeks ago, there still has been little in the way of a logical explanation for its relocation.
So until we hear otherwise, we will go on the assumption that there is something political behind this move. And, given the purpose of the unit, that stinks.
We understand politics is part of the process in Harrisburg.
But we are talking about a necessary crimefighting tool in this case.
Politics should be checked at the door when crimefighting and emergency services are at stake.
There has been lots of good decision making going on in the past 18 months from this administration.
The aviation unit removal from the airport in Montoursville isn't on that list.
