If all registered voters in Butler County used the Rotary Club of Butler's annual pancake festival at the Vagabond Center in Lyndora as a rallying centerpiece for going to the polls today, two great things would be accomplished.

First, county election results would truly reflect the opinion of the majority — not just the preferences of a small percentage of the voters, as usually is the case during "off-year" elections such as today's.

Second, Lifesteps, as the beneficiary of pancake festival proceeds, would be the recipient of much more money to carry out its important work in the community.

Lifesteps programs include child check screening examining children's development and checking for autism and other problems; early education for special-needs children; and adult day care.

This year marks the festival's 50th anniversary, a half-century achievement for the Rotary Club, which, by way of this annual event, has raised more than $340,000. The festival usually attracts between 1,300 and 2,000 people, but the Rotarians and other volunteers staffing the festival wouldn't have any qualms about serving many more diners.

Those who haven't attended the festival in the past should, first, go to their polling place and vote, then make the trek to the Vagabond Hall, which is located just off Whitestown Road, to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this annual event.

Unfortunately for today's election, referring to it as "off year" does this citizenship-responsibility exercise a serious disservice.

Many people fail to acknowledge that the positions on the ballot during the years when state and federal legislative offices are not up for grabs are offices that are closest to the people. These include mayors and council members in the cities and boroughs, supervisors or commissioners in the townships, school directors, and some county offices.

The county-level highlight of the election this year is the sheriff's contest, featuring Democrat Roland Livermore and Republican Mike Slupe. One of those two men will succeed retiring Sheriff Dennis Rickard.

From the taxation perspective, it is school directors, in most cases, who are responsible for the highest or second-highest tax bills people receive, depending on a person's income and property ownership.

But it is mayors, city and borough council members, and township supervisors or commissioners who make the local decisions and laws that most directly affect residents.

That's why the voters shouldn't allow use of the term "off year" to deter them from voting.

This is a year when voters throughout Pennsylvania also will select appellate court judges — judges who rule on appeals emanating from decisions made by the county courts.

There have been a number of issues raised during the appellate court candidates' campaigns that should have caused voters to stop and take notice.

It is to be hoped that Butler County voters will be more familiar with the candidates than to vote for a candidate simply because he or she is from Western Pennsylvania — which, unfortunately, is the way many voters make their judicial choices.

Last year's primary and general elections were highlighted by the presidential race. For Pennsylvania voters, the gubernatorial race will be next year's highlight.

Like last year's elections, congressional and state legislative offices also will be on next year's ballots.

Next year won't be an "off year" but the voters shouldn't succumb to that term today, either. No year is an "off year" in terms of electing the right people for public office.

Therefore, the best advice for today is go to the polls and vote, then enjoy the pancakes for which the Rotary Club of Butler is so well known on this important day of the year.

What each voter will gain from doing both will be well worth the time expended and, in the process, be a source of satisfaction that he or she has made a positive difference.

For those not registered to vote, the pancakes are just as tasty and the proceeds from their tickets still will benefit Lifesteps.

— J.R.K.