Gov. Ed Rendell's comments to graduating seniors at Susquehanna University may seem like boilerplate commencement advice.

"Set goals and don't be afraid to fail," Rendell said Sunday. "Don't be impatient because success isn't instantaneous ... You can do virtually anything -- if you're patient."

The message may have come from a motivational poster hanging in the break room of the governor's mansion but Rendell seems to take the words to heart.

Legalizing slots, property tax relief and transportation funding are issues the governor made centerpieces of his administration. The Commonwealth now has slots parlors and property owners will enjoy a modicum of relief this year on their school taxes. Solving the transportation funding puzzle has been more nettlesome. A proposal to toll Interstate 80 provoked strident opposition from residents and politicians across the mid-section of the commonwealth.

Without completely abandoning the tolling plan, Rendell responded by dusting off a plan to privatize the Pennsylvania Turnpike as an alternative means to generate the needed funds.

Undeterred by setbacks, Rendell presses for solutions.

Unfortunately for local residents, issues of importance to the Central Susquehanna Valley do not seem to be on the governor's radar. Plans for a fish ladder and related work at the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam were shelved five years ago. The marina building at Shikellamy State Park has been vacant for six years. Municipalities are struggling with tighter water pollution standards with little financial assistance from the state to help cover the costs of upgrading sewer treatment facilities. The region suffers from the lack of an organized plan to foster economic development. The result? State-financed but under-occupied business parks.

Rendell has proven to be innovative and dogged when it comes to tackling issues he considers important. Addressing the needs of rural residents has rarely been a priority -- something he declined to mention during his rare visit to the region an hour's drive north of the capital.