Does President Judge Nancy Butts have your vote?
In the dimly lit reception room at the Taber Museum, the voice of a women overcoming adversity echoed, reminding onlookers of her accomplishments on the bench. She said, “I want that to be my legacy.”, as she spoke of her work with treatment courts. The small gathering included Judge’s Ryan Garder, William Carlucci, and other members of the Lycoming Law Association.
Citizens remain in power on November 4, 2025, as they will vote YES or NO to retain President Judge Nancy Butts. This straightforward choice will determine whether she continues serving as a judge in Lycoming County. A focused, effective leadership has brought tangible improvements, but what would fill the vacuum if that leadership were not retained?
Butts – Judicial Leadership and Court Administration
Over the past years, efforts have been made to streamline case management through revised scheduling and triage processes. These have resulted in an estimated 10–25% reduction in average case disposition times. Additionally, the adoption of performance metrics such as clearance rates, backlog levels, and time-to-disposition has fostered greater transparency and accountability. These initiatives have contributed to maintaining a 100% case clearance rate and reducing case backlogs by 20% over two years. Enhanced courtroom safety measures, including updated protocols and staff training, have also contributed to fewer security incidents.
Butts – Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Expansion of problem-solving courts like drug courts, veterans’ courts, and mental health dockets has increased enrollment and improved program completion rates by as much as 30%. These programs are associated with reductions in recidivism ranging from 20% to 40%, thus contributing to safer communities. Collaborative efforts among probation, law enforcement, mental health agencies, and treatment providers aim to lower technical violations and rearrest rates within 12 to 24 months. The use of data-driven supervision tools, such as risk assessments, seeks to better allocate resources and reduce jail populations for nonviolent offenders.
Butts – Civil and Family Court Enhancements
Reforms targeting family and dependency case processes emphasize faster resolutions, with a goal to cut time-to-disposition by roughly 25%. Increased use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution—reflected in settlement rate improvements of 20–35%; has streamlined cases and decreased costs for litigants. Implementing standardized forms and online filing options has further reduced administrative errors and process times, leading to more efficient court operations.
Butts – Access to Justice and Community Engagement
Measures to expand self-help services and forge stronger partnerships with legal aid organizations have increased support contacts for unrepresented litigants by 30–50%. Community outreach activities, workshops, court tours, public forums have engaged thousands annually, fostering a better understanding of court processes and promoting transparency. Efforts to improve language access and accommodation services aim to remove barriers, ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone regardless of language or disability.
Butts – Leadership and Professional Development
Judicial education programs, including CLEs and mentorship initiatives, have strengthened the skills of judges and court staff. Participation in county and state judicial committees has influenced key policy decisions related to case management, specialty courts, and access to justice. These efforts support a court system that adapts to community needs and maintains high standards of fairness and competency.
Butts – Measuring Success and Moving Forward
The impact of these reforms is continuously tracked through metrics such as case clearance rates, average time-to-disposition, backlog levels, and program outcomes; all essential to maintaining accountability and transparency. Security incident reports and accessibility measures ensure ongoing improvements in safety and inclusivity.
Butts – Treatment Courts
Judge Butts is a strong advocate for Treatment Courts in Lycoming County, viewing them as a key part of her legacy. Under her leadership, drug courts, veterans’ courts, and mental health dockets have expanded, helping many participants achieve recovery and reduce reoffending. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with community agencies and the use of evidence-based practices to improve outcomes.
Voters – It’s up to you
Judge Nancy Butts’s retention in the November election is a yes / no vote. Residents will have the opportunity to decide whether to continue her leadership on the bench. Her tenure has seen important reforms, including expanding Treatment Courts, improving court efficiency, and prioritizing fairness and rehabilitation. Voting “yes” supports ongoing leadership committed to these goals, while a “no” vote could lead to a change in the court’s direction and leadership. This decision could shape the future of Lycoming County’s judiciary for years to come. Who would fill the vacuum? On November 4th, the people will weigh in.
