Something unnoticed, but important, took place at the beginning of the year.

In the southeastern and south central parts of Butler County nearly every municipality experienced a change in leadership at the start of 2026.

Whether through retirements or incumbent defeats on Election Day, new faces are taking their seats on the boards of township supervisors or borough councils.

During a time when voters’ attention is focused on Minneapolis, Ukraine or Gaza, it’s these recent changes that will affect the lives of Butler County residents the most.

The former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill is credited with the phrase “All politics is local.”

We have to pay attention to local issues and candidates, especially when events on the national and international level seem to occupy everyone’s minds.

Actions during borough and city council, school board and township supervisors’ meetings will include adoption of policies that will have far more immediate impact on residents’ lives than the latest United Nations Security Council vote.

For example, school boards will decide how our children will be taught, what schools will be expanded and what buildings will be closed, in addition to what taxes will be levied to pay for it all.

While laws regarding crime are written at the state level, enforcement of those laws is very local so mayoral, council and supervisors’ races are extremely important.

Right now, the elected representatives of Adams Township and Mars Borough are considering a possible merger, a decision that will have effects far into the future.

And, who knows what that future could hold?

Local races are where most elected officials get their start, so today’s township supervisor could be tomorrow’s state General Assembly member or member of the U.S. Congress.

There’s an easy way to know what your government does and who is part of it. Attend their meetings. Listen closely to the items on the agenda. Ask questions. Stay informed on how your supervisors and council members are voting on issues that directly affect you.

All politics are local, and all change starts locally, too.

— EF