Concerns about voter apathy in Butler County are as much a part of the election process as the balloting itself.

And, for good reason: Candidates for most major offices routinely ignore this county in the course of their campaigning.

It's not just on the presidential campaign trail, which, of course, is not a part of the 2010 general election. But this year Pennsylvania voters will elect a new governor and lieutenant governor, but the candidates have done virtually nothing here in person.

Perhaps this county's voting outcomes are viewed as so predictable that the major candidates see no need to devote time here.

If so, that's unfortunate. More voters should be energized here about their important individual role in elections, but being in contact with the candidates only through television and radio can lead to apathy.

A good question might be how many voters here know the identities of the Republican and Democratic nominees for lieutenant governor.

Butler County's voters are consistently ignored in terms of face-to-face contact, and part of the blame must rest with the county's Republican and Democratic committees for not working hard enough to bring the candidates here.

The Seneca Valley School District merits a thumbs-up for the way it is handling two parents' complaint about a middle school textbook.The parents' concerns revolve around their belief that a World History textbook downplays Christianity but glorifies Islam.Not only will the complaint be considered by a special committee that will evaluate the issue, but the school board expressed a commitment to resolve the issue quickly.Robert Hill, board president, said it is the board's intention to have a written report, based on the committee's review, at the board's November meeting.And, district residents were reminded that Seneca Valley's policy on reconsidering instructional materials can be viewed on the district's website.Parents with concerns about what their children are being taught have a right to ask questions, and the two parents troubled by the history textbook are exercising that right.To its credit, the board listened to the complaint respectfully and responsibly and did not draw any hasty conclusions or downplay what the parents were saying.That's the way the process is supposed to work.

This community has good reason to be impressed with the response to Butler Memorial Hospital's $7 million Capital Campaign to date.In only a year, the campaign has raised more than $6 million, and hospital and campaign officials are confident that the goal can be reached or surpassed.The money is going to a good cause: to cover some of the costs associated with construction of the $151 million, seven-story patient tower that the hospital put into service this year. In addition, part of the money will be used to help update technology in the hospital and its outpatient facilities."We are overwhelmed and humbled by the support for this project," said Ken DeFurio, president and chief executive officer of Butler Health System.The success of the campaign to date is especially notable because the economy has yet to rebound fully from the recession. In many quarters, businesses, groups and individuals have become more restrained in their charitable giving.The hospital is fortunate to have its current generous level of financial support from within the hospital "family" and community, even amid the uncertainties regarding this area's and nation's economic future.Donors should feel proud of what they have accomplished to date. It is to be hoped many others will step forward with their own spirit of generosity.Information about the campaign and how to contribute is available by calling 724-284-4716 or by way of the e-mail address kab.bhf@butlerhealthsystem.org. The contact person is Kris Bowser.