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 A New Year in Politics

By Patrick Fero

This year we have no presidential sweepstakes to inhale all the political oxygen. The American electorate can take a deep breath and relax until the primaries approach, which are May 20. (Petitions can be circulated beginning on February 18.)

Unless you are in Lancaster County’s 36^th Senatorial. Then, you will come to attention earlier for the 36^th special election on March 25.,

In 2025, a so-called off-year, we will have plenty of decisions to make as county-wide races take place in the judiciary, District Attorney, Controller, Coroner, and Recorder of Deeds. We’ll see plenty of local municipal elections for borough council, township leaders, school directors, etc.

People who have a lot to say about your quality of life.

The 2024 national elections highlighted the deep divisions within American society and the challenges facing democratic institutions. Economic issues will continue to be increasingly important and shape political discourse. Globally, the rise of nationalism, the resurgence of authoritarianism, and the ongoing conflicts in various regions present significant challenges to international cooperation and stability.

Here are just some of the issues Pennsylvanians will face in the new year.

Pennsylvania has one of the oldest populations in the nation. This affects key services such as healthcare and social services and presents businesses with workforce issues. We are facing a caregiving crisis.

The state is large and diverse. A rural-urban divide presents dissimilar needs and priorities such as population growth, and economic opportunities. Pronounced social values diverge between the rural and urban areas.

While Pennsylvania is still predominantly white, its cities are becoming increasingly diverse. This shift is bringing new perspectives and cultural influences, but also potential challenges related to integration and equity. Pennsylvania's economy has traditionally been based on manufacturing, but it's shifting towards sectors like healthcare, technology, and energy.

Pennsylvania and York County are facing a mental health crisis: high rates of mental illness, increasing demand for services, suicide rates trending upwards, a shortage of mental health professionals especially in rural areas, the mental health of youth is a growing concern, crowded emergency rooms, and the opioid crisis, particularly in rural areas.

The landscape of education in the U.S. is undergoing rapid and notable change, driven by technological advancements, evolving pedagogical approaches, new school models, equity concerns, and shifting societal needs. These changes present opportunities and challenges for students, educators, parents, and policymakers.

 

While Pennsylvania, state, and local governments have recognized these issues, much more can be done. Will 2025 be the year where Pennsylvanians make great strides regarding these problems, and others I haven’t room to mention? Or will divided government again stymy needed action? We’ll see.