General Election had some interesting twists
Another election cycle is over, and it appears the world will survive again.
Election 2019 had some interesting twists and cause for scrutiny. Using paper ballots in 2019 seems like a huge step backward, especially having one person in charge of accepting or rejecting the finished ballots. The review process caused backups that didn't seem necessary.
Voters saw some sexy races this election season, including the judge race where a write-in candidate spent big dollars trying to overturn the result of the May election. I understand this is how the system works, but I was disappointed the campaign was so heavily built on mocking the opponent's name and what the challenger considered to be deficiencies, rather than a stronger promotion of her own skill set.
It reached embarrassing proportions at times, and yet the candidate under fire admirably resisted the opportunity to capitalize on legal matters his challenger was facing. If there is one race that I don't think this type of campaigning is acceptable, it would be a judicial race.
Lost in the shuffle was the retention vote for the Honorable Judge William Shaffer, who easily won another 10-year appointment to the bench with hardly a whisper of objection from the community. That would indicate the masses are pleased with the job he has done. That is to be greatly admired in this day and age where attacks on social media are so easy and so prevalent.
The prothonotary race also was somewhat unusual with one person changing parties to represent the opposing party. Unusual but not unheard of. The two candidates were more civil in their contest than often is the case in local elections.
School board races are becoming nastier and more mean-spirited every cycle. Even the candidates who are respectful and honest get dragged into the battles with others who seem to have far more reason to want these thankless, unpaid positions than most. Serving your community and school district is not only noble, but has become a position requiring brave individuals who can withstand the personal and unprofessional attacks of others. I'm thankful for the people willing to sacrifice of themselves and try to fill these important roles, and I wish them luck.
Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who engaged in the process. If you were not elected please try to stay involved in the community and help Butler County strive for every possible improvement.
Ron Vodenichar is president and publisher of the Butler Eagle.
