Without complete contract proposals in hand, it is difficult for most people to render an opinion on county workers' rejection of new contracts in voting that took place on Wednesday. The workers will continue to work under terms of contracts that expired Nov. 30.

But what's puzzling to many people was why so many workers who were eligible to vote chose not to do so. For example, of the more than 200 employees at Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, only 120 voted.

A total of 127 of the approximately 140 employees of the courthouse and government center voted, but some people might wonder why so many no-shows occurred in that voting as well.

After all, employees were making a decision affecting their own paychecks and working conditions. Most people would think that, barring serious illness, hospitalization or a family emergency, employees would not pass up the opportunity to cast their vote on the contract proposal.

But that is what in fact occurred in the case of the 90-plus workers who stayed away from the voting. Are those people really that disinterested in their county jobs?

Kevin Hefty, vice president of Service Employees International Union Healthcare, expressed the belief that a higher turnout of Sunnyview workers would not have changed the result, which was 82-38 against the proposed pact. However, it is votes that should have confirmed that belief, not supposition.

Many county employees might be upset about the failure to reach a contract agreement for so long, but expressing that frustration by a refusal to vote is not in their ultimate best interests.

The next time a contract comes up for a vote, all workers should reflect on the importance of being part of the decision process and not leaving it in the hands of others.

Each person's vote can make a difference, just like in some municipal elections when one vote decides who wins a seat and who doesn't.

Those who didn't vote on the county contracts Wednesday should rethink their attitude prior to the next vote.

People of Butler County and beyond know that the official start of summer is near when the annual Saxonburg Firemen's Carnival gets under way.This year's carnival, which begins Monday and runs through June 13, will be the event's 78th edition, again featuring, among many other activities, rides, a firemen's parade, a pet parade, and a water battle involving area volunteer fire departments.This year the Miss Saxonburg Pageant, a longtime fixture of the carnival, is being revived after a two-year absence.The carnival is an event that the whole family can — and hundreds of families do — enjoy. Each year the carnival gives a boost to community spirit and is a reunion of sorts for some people who see each other only at this time of the year.Traditionally, it has marked the official end of any lingering doldrums stemming from winter and the sometimes fickle spring weather that this part of the state usually experiences.The dedication of those whose efforts make the carnival the exciting, enjoyable event that it is often goes unnoticed. But without that dedication, coupled with critical organization, the carnival would not be nearly as well-run and successful as it has been through the years.It is to be hoped that the troubled state of the economy won't impact the carnival's fortunes, and no doubt young people will flock to the carnival despite the fact that the South Butler School District still will be in session during carnival week.The official start of summer doesn't arrive until June 21, but for Saxonburg and its environs summer begins on Monday.Tradition dictates that that is how it should be, and the Saxonburg Fire Department deserves praise for its ability to assemble such a great show for the enjoyment of thousands of people.

At a time when many municipalities aren't looking for ways to spend additional money — even small amounts of additional money — because of budget constraints and the troubled economy, Slippery Rock Borough officials are right in trying to take advantage of an opportunity that would benefit the community's police department.The borough council gave approval Tuesday to applications for two grants that, if approved, would result in new bullet-proof vests and a night vision camera.The grant for the vests would be through the U.S. Department of Justice and would require $1,600 in matching funds from the borough. The night vision equipment, from a California company, Xenonics Holding, would require a 25 percent match — $450.An outlay of $2,050 isn't a big expenditure, but some communities would bypass the opportunity because it wasn't plugged into the budget when it was being prepared and approved. It is to Slippery Rock's credit that it is willing to find a way to make this additional outlay in the middle of a budget year.Other communities in need of upgraded equipment should take note of the availability of these grants.