Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
WILLIAMSPORT — The Lycoming County president judge who lost her bid for retention for a fourth term, says she is open to all options regarding her future when she leaves the bench at the end of the year. Judge Nancy L. Butts said that includes running for judge in 2027 when the vacancy created by her loss will be filled permanently. According to unofficial election results, the registered Republican received 9,435 votes for retention compared with 19,115 against. The three Democrat Supreme Court justices who won retention polled better in the heavily Republican county than Butts. Only 33 percent of the county voters favored her retention compared with an average 43 percent for the justices. The difference could be the result of the Lycoming County Republican Committee not endorsing her and campaigning against her retention. Retiring Sheriff R. Mark Lusk, a Republican, led the fight against retention, calling Butts a “catch-and-release” judge in reference to some of her bail decisions. This was Butts’ response Friday when asked by PennLive for her assessment of what she called a disappointing loss: “I think the outcome reflects how little visibility judicial retention races tend to receive — and how easily assumptions can fill those gaps. “I appeared on the ballot alongside Democratic justices and many voters assumed I was part of the same political group despite the fact that I’m a registered Republican. “There was also a lot of noise online, most of which was wholly inaccurate at worst, misleading at best, and clearly promoted by a few select individuals with an agenda. “A low-information election makes understanding reality much more difficult. “This is the environment of social media that we live in and a reminder to those of us who work in the court system that we have work to do to advance the public’s understanding of how court systems work, how judges are evaluated, and what judicial roles actually involve. “Education is something I’ve been committed to my entire career, and I will continue to be involved in that work wherever I have the opportunity to make a difference.” Asked about her future she responded: “I haven’t ruled anything out. I’ve built a career on showing up, doing the work and solving real problems. I’ve been told that some refer to me as the ‘solutions-focused judge.’ “Those attributes don’t end with a single vote. I am very proud of the (Lycoming) law association’s endorsement and the support I have received and continue to receive from colleagues across the state. “Through my work with treatment courts and my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, I’ve developed a unique set of skills that go far beyond the bench. “With 40 years of dedication to the criminal justice system and a track record of innovation and statewide recognition, I am confident that there is a county, program or organization out there looking for exactly the talents and insights that I have to offer. “The voters of Lycoming County have made their decision, and I respect that, but I am not done contributing. Not by a long shot.” Her defeat leaves Butts ineligible to serve as a senior judge. The late county Judge Clinton W. Smith for whom Butts clerked advocated running as a candidate for reelection in the primary instead of for retention in November because it was easier for citizens to vote “no” than “yes.” Her response when asked about that was: “I was aware of the options and I gave it some consideration, but I chose the retention route because I believe that is how the system is designed for judges who want to stay above partisan politics. “I’ve always believed that judicial independence matters, including how we approach elections. “Every path has its risks, and I knew that; but I chose the path that I believed was right for the role, and I do not regret that decision.” This is only the second time since a retention vote for judges became an option that a Lycoming County jurist has been ousted. The late Judge Thomas Wood was not retained in the 1973 election after presiding over several controversial cases, including one on water fluoridation and a challenge to building today’s Williamsport Area High School.
